Abstract: A pumping scheme for distributed Raman amplification (DRA) in optical fiber telecommunication systems is disclosed in which pump energy at the wavelength(s) required for DRA of the transmitted optical signal(s) is developed within the transmission fiber through a series, n, where n≧1, of Raman conversions. In preferred embodiments, a ‘primary’ pump source of wavelength shorter than the ultimately desired pump wavelength(s) is launched into the fiber along with one or more significantly lower-power secondary ‘seed’ sources. The wavelength and power of the secondary source(s) are chosen such that, when combined with the high-power primary source, Raman conversions within the fiber ultimately lead to the development of high power at the desired pump wavelength(s).