12 Reaching the Last Mile—Technology Solutions and Models for …
151
• Aesthetic aspects—to enhance product acceptability: In addition to the filter
parameters such as affordability, effectiveness in treating water, the rate of filtration
and ease of filtration, change of taste and aesthetics catering to aspirations also
are found to be critical parameters in accepting a treatment solution or a filter
product.
12.4 Way Forward
The study highlighted the hypothesis that access to water is impeded by the lack
of appropriate delivery systems to the Bottom of the Pyramid. The pilots clearly
demonstrated that there is a demand for safe water. However, to convert this demand
into changed behaviour and practice, there is a need for customers to see clear value in
the product. This value creation can be perceived both in terms of the service offered
and a perceptible difference from the raw water baseline as well as the financial value
of the product, in terms of ease of payment, avoided health costs, etc.
In order to be able to service the BoP, it is important to develop and strengthen the
delivery mechanism. The pilot showed that penetration and conversion were much
higher in spaces where there was trust at the point of delivery. Building capacities
of all points of the chain are important to ensure smooth delivery of the product and
service.
References
Report
Vijaya Lakshmi, K., Nagrath, K., & Jha, A. (2011). Access to safe water: Approaches for nanotechnology benefits to reach the bottom of the pyramid. New Delhi: Development Alternatives
Group.
Vijaya Lakshmi, K., Nagrath, K., & Mishra, S. (2013). Access to safe water for the bottom of the
pyramid.
Online Document
DA. (2011). Market potential analysis for water purifier using nanotechnology for the bottom of
pyramid market.
TARA. (2012). Access to safe water for the bottom of pyramid: Strategies for disseminating technology research technology packaging study.
WHO. (2011). Estimated with data from Diarhhoea: Why children are still dying and what can be
done. The UNICEF fund.
151
• Aesthetic aspects—to enhance product acceptability: In addition to the filter
parameters such as affordability, effectiveness in treating water, the rate of filtration
and ease of filtration, change of taste and aesthetics catering to aspirations also
are found to be critical parameters in accepting a treatment solution or a filter
product.
12.4 Way Forward
The study highlighted the hypothesis that access to water is impeded by the lack
of appropriate delivery systems to the Bottom of the Pyramid. The pilots clearly
demonstrated that there is a demand for safe water. However, to convert this demand
into changed behaviour and practice, there is a need for customers to see clear value in
the product. This value creation can be perceived both in terms of the service offered
and a perceptible difference from the raw water baseline as well as the financial value
of the product, in terms of ease of payment, avoided health costs, etc.
In order to be able to service the BoP, it is important to develop and strengthen the
delivery mechanism. The pilot showed that penetration and conversion were much
higher in spaces where there was trust at the point of delivery. Building capacities
of all points of the chain are important to ensure smooth delivery of the product and
service.
References
Report
Vijaya Lakshmi, K., Nagrath, K., & Jha, A. (2011). Access to safe water: Approaches for nanotechnology benefits to reach the bottom of the pyramid. New Delhi: Development Alternatives
Group.
Vijaya Lakshmi, K., Nagrath, K., & Mishra, S. (2013). Access to safe water for the bottom of the
pyramid.
Online Document
DA. (2011). Market potential analysis for water purifier using nanotechnology for the bottom of
pyramid market.
TARA. (2012). Access to safe water for the bottom of pyramid: Strategies for disseminating technology research technology packaging study.
WHO. (2011). Estimated with data from Diarhhoea: Why children are still dying and what can be
done. The UNICEF fund.