Field Notes and Publications

Between them, the field notes provide key insights into borehole provision from deep to very shallow drilling, and improve the understanding of local private enterprises.  The field notes cover technical, socio-economic, environmental and managerial aspects of borehole provision.

Ten-step Guide Towards Cost-effective Boreholes

Increasing access to groundwater is a priority for sub-Saharan Africa. One key to this is to reduce the costs of conventional drilling and borehole construction. This field note, describing a recent study in Ethiopia sets out some of the ways in which this may be done. 

Download the field note - Ten-step Guide Towards Cost-effective Boreholes.

Download the field note - Le forage d’eau à faibles coûts en dix étapes - Étude des coûts de forage en Éthiopie

A Brief History of Hand Drilled Wells in Niger

This field note describes the history of hand drilling and water-lifting techniques introduced in Niger over 30 years and now firmly in the hands of local enterprises, farmers and water users.

Download the field note - A brief History of Hand Drilled Wells in Niger (English version)

Download the field note - Une brève histoire des puits forés à la main au Niger (French version)

Who is going to drill the African boreholes?

Private drillers form an essential segment of the borehole drilling sector in Africa. More needs to be known about their abilities and the contribution they can make. Case studies of entrepreneurial drilling companies in four African countries are used to illustrate business strategies and common constraints, and possible ways forward.

Download the field note - Who is going to drill the African boreholes?

Solutions for Reducing Borehole Costs in Rural Africa

This field note contends that the current cost of drilled boreholes in Africa can be halved by relaxing borehole specifications in favor of smaller diameter bores drilled by more maneuverable, lower cost equipment.

Download the field note - Solutions for Reducing Borehole Costs in Rural Africa

Hand Drilling in Nigeria. 

This field note provides an overview of hand drilling practices in Nigeria, which are being utilised to provide water sources for both domestic use and small scale irrigation.  It is estimated that approximately 30,000 hand-drilled wells have been constructed throughout the country.  Hand drilling as a business is being undertaken by many different individuals and businesses

Download the field note - Hand Drilling in Nigeria