DEVELOPMENT PLANNING ASSIGNMENT

Group 12 Presentation
Members
1. Kiragu Winfred HDB 222-0422/2020
2. Atika Gloria. HDB 222-0454/2020
3. Joan Wairimu. HDB 222-0457/2020
4. Eva Njeri. HDB 222-0421/2020
5. Yvonne Maina. HDB 222-0468/2020

1. Planning techniques and tools in development economics

Planning techniques and tools in development economics refer to the methods and frameworks
used by policymakers and development practitioners to design, implement, and evaluate policies
and programs aimed at promoting economic development and improving people's welfare. These
techniques and tools help decision-makers to identify development goals, prioritize interventions,
allocate resources efficiently, and monitor and evaluate progress. They aid policymakers in deciding
a course of action to follow or in assessing the effects of particular actions on different publics. (S.
Hendler, 2001)

Planning techniques and tools in development economics include cost-benefit analysis, impact
evaluation, participatory planning, SWOT analysis, logical framework analysis, needs assessment,
and GIS mapping, among others. These methods and frameworks can be used individually or in
combination, depending on the specific objectives and context of the development intervention. The
ultimate goal of planning techniques and tools in development economics is to ensure that policies
and programs are evidence-based, responsive to local needs and priorities, and contribute to
sustainable development and poverty reduction.

a) Describe the various planning techniques and tools

Planning techniques and tools are an essential part of development economics as they help
policymakers and development practitioners identify and prioritize development goals, design
effective policies and programs, and allocate resources efficiently. Here are some commonly used
planning techniques and tools in development economics:

1. Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA): CBA is a planning technique that compares the costs and
benefits of a proposed policy or project to determine whether it is worth pursuing. It helps
 decision-makers to understand the trade-offs involved in different policy options and select
the one that maximizes social welfare.
2. Impact Evaluation: Impact evaluation is a planning tool that measures the changes in
outcomes or impacts that are attributed to a specific policy or program. It helps
policymakers to determine whether the policy or program is achieving its intended
objectives and identify areas for improvement.
3. Participatory Planning: Participatory planning involves engaging stakeholders, including
local communities, civil society organizations, and government agencies, in the planning
process. It helps to ensure that the policy or program is aligned with local needs and
priorities, and increases community ownership and participation.
4. SWOT Analysis: SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis is a
planning tool that helps to identify the internal and external factors that may affect the
success of a policy or program. It helps to identify strengths and weaknesses that can be
leveraged or addressed, and opportunities and threats that can be capitalized on or
mitigated.
5. Logical Framework Analysis (LFA): LFA is a planning tool that helps to design and implement
development projects. It involves developing a logical framework that outlines the project's
objectives, inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact and helps to identify risks and
assumptions.

6. Needs Assessment: Needs assessment is a planning tool that helps to identify the needs of a
specific population or community. It involves collecting and analysing data to determine the
gaps between the current situation and the desired situation and helps to prioritize
interventions and allocate resources accordingly.
7. GIS Mapping: Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping is a planning tool that uses
spatial data to identify patterns and relationships between different variables. It helps to
identify areas of high need, target interventions to specific populations, and allocate
resources more efficiently.
8. Visioning: this tool is to visualize the future. It starts with brainstorming which gradually
leads to the term visualisation, as desired by the policymakers. Visioning answers basic
questions such as what the country wants to achieve, what it will look like, what image it will
build in the minds of its prospects and who shall be the target recipients. Overall, visioning
gives a futuristic revelation of the organisation’s present image and standing.
9. Metrics/charts: ideally, a plan is incomplete without numbers, calculations and graphical
representations. In order to come up with a plan it is important to collect the statistics
needed to scope the size and demographic of the particular area to be developed.
Additionally, to prove the visionary statement, it is important to have justifications through
figures and metrics which will finally determine if the project will make a desirable impact as
has been planned.
10. Input-output analysis: it is a tool to measure the economic interdependence of different
sectors of an economy. Policymakers use this tool to identify the key sectors that can
stimulate economic growth and development.
11. Participatory planning: it is a process in which policymakers involve stakeholders in the
planning and implementation of economic policies. Policymakers use participatory planning
to ensure that policies are responsive to the needs and priorities of the community and to
build consensus around policy objectives.
These planning techniques and tools can be used individually or in combination to design and
implement effective policies and programs that promote sustainable development and improve the
welfare of people.

b) Explain the criteria for choosing planning techniques

Choosing the appropriate planning technique is critical to the success of a development intervention.
The following are some criteria for selecting planning techniques and tools in development
economics:

1. Objectives: The planning technique selected should be aligned with the objectives of the
development intervention. The technique should be appropriate for the specific objective
and should help to achieve the desired outcomes. For example, if the objective is to identify
the key drivers of economic growth, econometric modelling may be the most appropriate
technique, while if the objective is to identify potential sites for investment, GIS may be
more appropriate.
2. Context: The planning technique should be appropriate for the context in which the
intervention is taking place. This includes the cultural, social, economic, and political factors
that may influence the intervention's success.
3. Data Availability: The availability of data is essential for many planning techniques. The
selected technique should rely on data that is available, reliable, and relevant to the
intervention. Techniques that require large amounts of data, such as econometric modelling
or GIS, may be less feasible if the necessary data is not available.
4. Time and Resources: The planning technique should be feasible within the available
resources, including time, financial resources, and expertise.
5. Stakeholder Engagement: The involvement of stakeholders, including local communities,
civil society organizations, and government agencies, is crucial in development
interventions. The selected technique should enable stakeholder engagement and
participation in the planning process such as participatory planning.
6. Evaluation: The planning technique should facilitate the monitoring and evaluation of the
development intervention to determine its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement
7. Ethical Considerations: The selected planning technique should take into account ethical
considerations, including the potential impact of the intervention on vulnerable groups,
environmental sustainability, and the long-term implications of the intervention.
8. Complexity of the problem: the complexity of the problem being addressed by the policy
may influence the choice of planning technique. More complex problems may require more
sophisticated techniques such as econometric modelling or decision trees, while simpler
problems may be addressed using simpler techniques such as cost-benefit analysis or input-
output analysis.

By considering these criteria, development practitioners and policymakers can choose the
appropriate planning technique or combination of techniques to design and implement effective
policies and programs that promote sustainable development and improve people's welfare.