Principles and steps in programme development process

---

PRINCIPLES OF PROGRAMME PLANNING:

According g to Kelsey and Hearne, sound extension programme building is based

• Sound programme building is based on the analysis of the facts in the situation
• Sound programme planning selects problems based on needs
• Good programme building determines, objectives and solutions, which offer satisfaction
• A good programme has permanence with flexibility
• A sound programme has balance with emphasis
• A good programme has a definite plan of work
• Programme building is a continuous process
• Programme building is a teaching process
• Programme is a coordinating process
• Programme planning provides opportunity for evaluation of results'

---

STEPS IN PROGRAMMEPLANNING PROCESS:

The first 4 -steps constitute the Programme Determination Phase and the next 4 steps, the Programme Implementation Phase.

• Collection of Facts: Good planning depends on the collection of adequate, reliable data about the situation. The facts must be carefully analyzed and interpreted through the joined efforts of technically trained staff and progressive village leaders. All extension workers must possess the basic farm and family information for preparing sound family, village and block plans which should include.
  

  • Basic information about the village includes the data pertaining to population, total number of families, main occupations of the village, communication facilities, schooling facilities, medical facilities, drinking water facilities etc.
  • Information about farm management and production programmes includes total cultivated area of the village, size of agricultural holdings, types of crops, soil'... types, disease and pest control, agricultural machinery etc. It is necessary for increasing agricultural production in the village.
• Analysis of Situatioin: On the basis of facts collected, the present situation should be analysed thoroughly. It will help in identifying the issues and their prioritization.
• Definition of problems: The village activities should be classified properly before planning. This helps in execution of the programme. Problems can be classified into 3 categories as follows:
  

  • Problems solved by the villagers with their own resources like improving the yields by adopting improved practices, digging compost pits, organizing rural youth clubs etc.
  • Problems that need community cooperation without involving much outside assistance like construction of village approach road or deepening of tank etc. by volunteering efforts.
  • Problems that require outside assistance on account of high cost involved and the technical knowledge needed like purchase of plant protection equipment, construction of school building etc.

In this way the internal and external resources can be utilized economically and quicker results obtained. It is also desirable to break up complex problems step by step in to simple problems

• Determination of objectives and goals: Effective rural development programmes must have clear and significant objectives before deciding the project to be undertaken. The basic objectives of the programme are to be determined by the villagers in consultation with extension personnel. The villagers should have the clear concept of the project by deciding on objectives. The involvement of various institutions and voluntary organizations should be secured. The objectives of the programme for family plans could be decided upon by the head or active members of the participating family and by Panchayats in case of objective to be undertaken on community or village basis. The objectives should specify behavioral changes of the people.
• Preparing a plan of work and calendar of operations: A plan of work is listing of activities by which objectives already decided upon are to be achieved. It includes the methods of executing a programme, timing and persons responsible for carrying out programme along with evaluating the progress. It is an important step to solve selected problems. It is essential to involve villagers in planning the programmes.
• Follow through the plan of work and calendar of operations: The success of the programme depends on the method by which it is carried out. For successful implementation of any programme, it is desirable that advance planning is made at the first step towards its implementation. The activities to be carried out each month should be taken out. Proper arrangement for the supply of materials and training of workers should be made. All steps in carrying out the programme should be discussed with the villagers and local leaders and the consent should be obtained to see full cooperation, steps for assistances and direction should be clearly stated to avoid confusion in launching the programme.
• Evaluation of Progress: Adequate records of each activity should be kept for future evaluation by extension staff, development committees and village institutions. Each future programme should be based on results of the previous one. Successful evaluation gives a correct direction to the programme. The evaluation of programme has to be done with the reference to the original objectives set. Systematic evaluation provide information about the effectiveness of various methods used and various steps taken for executing the programme
• Reconsideration and revision of the programme: At the end of each cycle of programme planning process as a periodical review of situation and reconsideration of plan for setting up revised objectives should be done in view of the changes in social and economic levels of people. Acceptable programmes may be expanded to the neighboring areas. Research should be conducted to find out the reasons of failure of the programmes. All developmental programmes are tools for doing more work that is effective.