Extension Program Planning
Extension Program Planning
PLANNING.
Introduction
• A programme means a prospectus or a
statement issued to promote understanding and
interest in an enterprise.
• Planning is a process, which involves studying
the past, and present in order to forecast the
future and in the light of that forecast
determining the goals to be achieved and what
must be done to reach them.
• Extension Programme is a statement of
situation, objectives, problems and solutions.
Definitions .
• Leagans (1961) says that an "extension
programme" is a set of clearly defined,
consciously conceived objectives or ends,
derived from an adequate analysis of the
situation, which are to be achieved through
extension teaching activity.
• Programme Planning – is a decision-making
involves analyzing problems, evaluating
alternatives, selecting relevant ones, and
prioritizing based on local needs and
resources, facilitated by cooperative efforts
from both official and non-official groups.
• Planning - is a process, involves analyzing
past and present data to predict the future,
determining goals and actions needed to
achieve them.
• Situation – a statement of affairs
encompasses the cultural, social, economic,
and physical conditions of a group at a specific
time, forming a dynamic environment for
planning.
The aspects of changing environment are:
Changes in technology,
Changes in government policy,
Changes in overall economic activity including
prices, labour, raw materials, etc.,
Changes in the nature of competition, and
Changes in social norms and attitudes.
• Objectives - are statements of the goals of a
project or program, aiming to change
knowledge, feelings, or actions in people..
• Calendar of work – a calendar of work is a plan
of work arranged chronologically.
• Plan of work – plan of work is a structured plan
of activities designed to efficiently execute an
extension programme.
• Project- a project is an outline of procedure and
pertains only to some phases of extension work.
• Problem - a condition that, the people after study,
with or without help, have decided that it needs a
change.
• Solution - is a course of proposed action to change
an unsatisfactory condition to one that is more
satisfying.
• Programme development process - is described as
an ongoing, collaborative process that involves
laypeople and extension staff members in which
issues are recognized, goals are stated, and steps
are taken to achieve the goals.
Importance of Program Planning
Plan of work
The plan of work is a crucial tool for extension workers to
achieve program objectives, outlining specific actions, resource
allocation, and expected accomplishments. It outlines activities
for efficient program execution.
Execution of the Plan of Work
Planning Approaches
In extension and rural development, several approaches can be used
depending on the philosophy of planning adhered to as well as the
legitimacy of the planners. Planning can be top- level, grassroots/low
level, joint planning, and team/committee planning.
Planning Approaches
In extension and rural development, several approaches can be used
depending on the philosophy of planning adhered to as well as the
legitimacy of the planners. Planning can be top- level, grassroots/low
level, joint planning, and team/committee planning.
1. Top-level Planning
The evolving planning strategy involves low-level officials and
community members in project/organizational planning, including
situation analysis, problem identification, program planning,
approval, fund sourcing, implementation, monitoring,
documentation, and evaluation.
2. Grassroots or Mass-based Planning
The evolving planning strategy involves low-level officials and
community members in project/organizational planning, including
situation analysis, problem identification, program planning,
approval, fund sourcing, implementation, monitoring,
documentation, and evaluation.
3. Joint Planning
Planning involves a participatory approach involving top
officials, middle level representatives, and community
members to develop community plans, promoting unity,
diversity, respect for human rights, and justice.
4. Team/Committee Planning
The team/committee planning is a participatory
approach involving elected leaders like city/municipal
councilors as chair and members come from the different
agencies, non- govenment organizations, private sector
and selected prominent citizens who can productively
contribute to the tasks of the committee
Steps in Program Planning