One very popular small business model is commercial micro-irrigation. By irrigating year-round, or in dry periods, Kenyans can apply their farming knowledge and unlock the potential of their land and earn a good living.

ApproTEC has created a series of foot-powered pumps, including the original MoneyMaker, the Super MoneyMaker, and the MoneyMaker Plus. These have been very successful; almost 20,000 pumps have been sold since their introduction 5 years ago.

Yet, with the declining economy, reaching those who are less financially capable has become more and more difficult. The best-selling Super MoneyMaker sells for approximately $78; price pressure was the major reason for the development of the Moneymaker PLUS, which was launched in 2001 and sells fo $39. But, even at this reduced cost, irrigation remains out of reach for many Kenyan families.

There is a clear need for an even cheaper pump that even the least affluent Kenyans could afford. This pump would not have to be as powerful or durable as the other MoneyMaker pumps; it would serve as a short-term stepping stone on the road to a larger, more effective micro-irrigation operation.