Rural water development experience in Malawi

The paper considers the process by which Malawi has achieved considerable success in its implementation of rural water schemes - in particular recent experience in the devel­opment of the dug-well and bore-hole pro­gramme. The paper maintains that an appreciation of the steps which led to significant breakthroughs, and the problems which had to be solved are just as important as the final mix of factors which contribute to a viable programme. Without proper appreciation of the development process involved it is considered that the dissemination of the 'Malawi experience' elsewhere is questionable. The paper highlights the problems which Malawi had to face and how by changes in its admin­istrative structure it achieved its present implementation strategy.