Rope pumps can be combined with low-cost drip irrigation such as the Nica-drip This technology is based on the drum kit as promoted by IDE (International Development Enterprises). See www.ideorg.org.
The Nica-drip is being tested in Nicaragua by CESADE, FAO and AMEC.

		Round storage tank with a Nica-drip low pressure irrigation system.
An example Irrigating 1000 tomato plants for US$ 120 Including: Pump, storage, irrigation system. Rope pump The pump capacity of a Hand Rope pump from a 10m. deep well is 2.4 m3/hour Pumping ½ hour in the morning and evening gives water to irrigate 1000 tomato plants. The Rope pump Pi model, can directly fill a water storage tank. Storage tank made of cement Instead of a metal drum, a cement tank may be used with the advantage of lower cost and no corrosion. The volume can be 500 to ..5000 liters, the lower part can be used for some fish production, and the tank can be constructed with local materials and skills. After a short training, users can make the tank themselves. The tank is round and reinforced with steel wire on the outside of the bricks. The filter for the outlet can be made out of PVC tubing. Instead of an outlet valve, PVC caps or tubes can be used A cement tank of 800 liters consists of: 100 bricks, 1 kg of 1mm steel wire, 2 bags of cement, 6 bags of sand. Nica-drip system A water level in the tank of 0.5 meter is enough for the Nica-drip to function. A system to irrigate 1000 tomato plants consist of: 10 laterals of 30 m long with 1 mm holes at intervals of 0.3 meter (laterals are ½ inch hose, 15 mm inside, and made of black plastic) 1 Submain of 15 meter with 19 mm holes at intervals of 1 meter (submain are 1 ½ Inch hose 400 mm inside, and made of black plastic) Instead of valves in the outlet, a "tube valve" can be used inside the tank. Costs (based on cost in Nicaragua) Hand Rope pump Model Pi (for wells 1 to 35 m.) US$ 50 Storage tank 800 liters (material cost) US$ 30 Nica drip (material cost) US$ 40 Total US$ 120   Dripper of the Nica-drip system. Made of 2 pieces of hose, drip holes of 1 mm.

For more information read article 'Increase world food production'.