Fisheries Extension Education (2+1)

5.3.2 Purpose of participatory planning

The purpose of participatory planning is to create a platform for two-way learning. This process is expected to enhance:

(i) Identification of felt needs

(ii) Bringing forth conferences

(iii) Empowerment of local disadvantaged group.

(iv) Integration of local knowledge system to project design.

(v) Two-way learning process between the project at local people

(vi) Political commitment and support

(vii) Accountability in local governance

(viii) Sustainability of the programme

Common tools available for participatory planning process include:

(i) Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) : it is a qualitative survey methodology using multi-discipliary team to formulate problems for research and development. It involves external experts teaming up with local community in a process of knowledge sharing.

(ii) Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA): It is evolved from RRA. PRA, which is also called as PLA (Participatory learning and Action), is a growing family of participatory approaches and methods that emphasize local knowledge and enable local people to make their own appraisal, analysis and plans. It is efficient in terms of both time and money.