PROGRAMME PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION 2(1+1)

Lesson 9 : Steps in Programme Planning

Checking and Evaluation of Results

“Evaluation” is the process of determining the extent to which we have been able to attain our objectives. An effective plan of work requires keeping of adequate records of each activity as a base for evaluation. Evaluation of the activities should be undertaken jointly by the extension staff, village institutions and block development committee.

• Each future programme should be based on the evaluation results of the previous one.
• Successful evaluation gives a correct direction to a programme. Evaluation of the programme during and after its execution is essential to judge whether the programme is moving in the right direction or not.
• Men and women farmers are encouraged individually and collectively to observe programme operations and provide feedback for the extension staff.
• In any planned programme there are things which may go wrong or activities found to be based upon inaccurate information. Programme adjustments then become necessary and positive efforts be made to improve the programme constantly.
• Both the villagers and the extension personnel should understand the need for monitoring and evaluation of programmes and provision of information should have a functional value.

Programme evaluation involves 3 essential steps:

1. Setting up of some standards
2. Collection of information
3. Making judgment and drawing conclusion

Advantages of Evaluation
Evaluation is essential to measure the extent of achievements of the fixed objectives:

• Determine how far an activity has progressed and how much it should be carried out to accomplish the objectives.
• Indicates the progress, effectiveness, strong and weak points if any.
• Helps to improve the skill of the extension workers in working with people.