The Five Steps: from demonstration to scaling-up

Step 1: The Demo phase (1 day)

The objective of a demonstration is threefold:

  • To show how the WATA works, and what is required to make chlorine from salt, how to test the solution and the water quality (residual chlorine);
  • To show how easy it is to apply the WATA and also what is essentially required in form of equipment, infrastructure and minimal training needs;
  • To show the potential (and the limits) of applying WATASOL in the programmes and projects of the interested partner organisation.

Step 2: The Try-out phase (1 month)

While the demonstration has been a passive process for the person concerned, the try-out is active.

The objective of the try-out phase is to raise the comfort level to the point where the person can instruct other people and convince them. It is only possible to demonstrate the procedure to others and to start an implementation programme if the person has mastered the process.

Step 3: The Testing phase (6 months)

The objective of the testing phase is to find out whether the WATASOL concept works in the field. It looks at the following issues:

  • Define area
  • Appoint a technically- and socially-skilled person for training and supervision
  • Define the product (chlorine/clean water) and the dissemination strategy
  • Get authorities’ approval
  • Evaluate willingness to pay, and affordability

Step 4: The Pilot phase (1-2 years) – See our pilot programme in South Asia

After successfully concluding the testing phase, the objective of the pilot phase is to determine what the right dissemination strategy and potential business model is.

It implies a sound consideration on the following aspects:

  • Area selection adapted to need, market and feasibility
  • Marketing strategy of product, price, place, promotion (4P)
  • Dissemination strategy
  • Social marketing
  • Government involvement
  • Business plan

Step 5: The Scaling-up phase

The aim of this step-by-step approach is to convert initial action-research into solid, scalable business approaches.

This requires a very detailed study and documentation of the scaling-up model to be pursued. The business plan should have gone far beyond a simple business plan and almost fully prepare a micro-franchising model of the entire operation.

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