EXTENSION PROGRAM

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

• Rural development work - Programme

planning is a crucial process that involves the
coordination of various agencies involved in a
project, ensuring a clear understanding of the
purpose of the work.
The reasons for having a programme may be specifically
stated as follows:

✔ To ensure careful consideration of what is to be done

and why.
✔ To furnish a guide against which to judge all new
proposals.
✔ To establish objectives towards which progress can be
measured and evaluated.
✔ To have a means of choosing the important (deep
rooted) from incidental (minor, less important) problems
and the permanent form of temporary changes.
The reasons for having a programme may be specifically
stated as follows:

✔ To develop a common understanding about the means

and ends between various functionaries and organizations.
✓ To ensure continuity during changes in personnel.
✔ To help develop leadership.
✓ To avoid waste of time and money and promote efficiency.
✔ To justify expenditure and to ensure flow of funds.
✔ To have available in written form a statement for public
use.
Nature of Programme Planning

 Programme planning is an educational process

 Programme planning is an unifying and
integrating process
 Programme planning is a coordinating process
 Programme planning is an evaluating process
Benefits of Program Planning

1. Avoid wastage of resources - Planning minimizes time and

money waste, enhancing efficiency and achieving optimal
results under current circumstances and conditions.
2. Provide guidance - Planning involves a thorough analysis of the
task at hand, setting clear objectives, providing direction for
work execution, and aiding in evaluation.
3. Continuity - Planning gives continuity to the program because
a plan is available in black and white, the change of personnel
will not affect the tempo or direction of the work.
4. Provide reliable information - When and whatever information
is required about the program, situation and resources, etc.,
5. Institutional support - Planning will help to justify the
appropriations by public bodies and to obtain the support of
the key personnel.
6. Leadership development - Development of
leadership is one of the keys to success and planning.
It is one of the best methods of developing leadership.
7. Minimize conflicts - Many conflicts like conflict of
resources, conflicts of personalities, etc. may arise
while executing a program
8. Local support - A program planned with the
cooperation of the people and based on
their needs will get full support from them.
9. Avoiding future problems - A good planning always
identifies and monitors future developments that will
have a major impact on performance or results.
Types of Planning

• Strategic planning. The process of defining an organization's

strategy, typically at the top management level, serves as a
roadmap for achieving long-term results.
• Tactical planning. Implementing strategic plans involves middle
and lower management, systematically determining and
scheduling immediate activities for achieving objectives, and
breaking down plans into specific actions.
• Contingency planning. This anticipates possible problems or
changes that may occur in the future and prepares to deal with
them effectively as they arise.
• Managerial planning. This is usually considered as micro level
planning. It helps in combining resources to fulfill the overall
objectives of the extension organization. A plan is more than a
to-do-list. Rather, a plan consists s of three elements
(organizational mission, goals, and programs).
Purposes of the Plan

• Serves as a guide to program/project implementers

• Serves as basis for monitoring, documentation and
evaluation
• Serves as basis for funding
• Minimizes errors/failures in implementation
• Inspire, motivate or challenge people to work hard
• Justify hiring of people (specify the number to be hired
and the qualifications needed.
• Used as bases for revision, improvement/continuity of
the project.
• Made for optimum utilization of human, financial, and
institutional resources.
Principles of Extension Programme Planning and
Development

 Extension programmes should have clear and

significant objectives which could satisfy
important needs of the people.
 Extension programmes should fix up priority on
the basis of available resources and time
 Extension programmes should clearly indicate the
availability and utilization of resources.
 Extension programmes should have a general
agreement at various levels.
 Extension programmes should involve people at
the local level.
 Extension programmes should involve relevant
institutions and organizations.
 Extension programmes should fix up priority on
the basis of available resources and time.
 Extension programmes should clearly indicate the
availability and utilization of resources.
 Extension programmes should have a general
agreement at various levels.
 Extension programmes should involve people at
the local level.
 Extension programmes should have a definite plan of work.
 Extension programmes should provide for evaluation of results
and reconsideration of the programme.
 Extension programmes should provide for equitable
distribution of benefits amongst the members of the
community.
 Extension programmes should involve relevant institutions
and organizations.

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

Program action is the heart of the extension education process. It is

the stage where people learn improved skills and gain knowledge
which lead to change their attitude. The requirements for successful
program include:

• Sound technical training of the extension worker;

• Use of extension teaching methods appropriate to the subject
matter and the people involved; and
• Extension worker's sympathy and understanding of the people.

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

1. Identifying target areas and people.

2. Resources assessment.
3. Problem identification and prioritization.
4. Objective Formulation.
5. Actions to be undertaken.
6. Strategies of implementation.
7. Identifying people to be involved.
8. Duration or date of Implementation.
9. Estimating the budget needed.