Definition, Principles and Importance of Extension programme planning

Definition, Principles and Importance of Extension programme planning. https://cststudy.blogspot.com/

Extension programme planning 

Extension programme planning is a social action, decision making, interactional process in which  advanced thinking is needed for identifying the needs, interests and resources of the people through  educational means to prepare blueprint for action. Some of the definitions of extension programme  planning are given below

▶Program planning is a process through which representatives of the people are intensively involved  with extension personnel and other professional people in four activities (Boyle, 1965).

a) Studying facts and trends.

b) Identifying problems and opportunities based on these facts and trends.

c) Making decision about problems and opportunities that should be given priority.

d) Establishing objectives or recommendation for future economic and social development of  a community through educational programs.

▶Extension programme planning is the process of determining, developing and executing programs.  It  is  continuous  process  whereby  farm  people  with  the  guidance  and  leadership  of  extension  personnel  attempt  to  determine  analysis  and  solve  local  problems.  In  this  there  are  three  characteristics:

a) What needs to be done.

b) When it should be done.

c) How it should be done (Musgraw, 1962).

Principles of extension program planning 

A principle is a statement of policy to guide decision and action in a consistent manner (Mathews).  Principle is a universal truth that has been observed and found to be true under varying conditions  and circumstances. A principle is a fundamental truth and a settled rule of action. Extension programme have the definite purpose of improving rural life through individual group and  community action. Extension programme planning has certain principles which hold irrespective of  the nature cliental and the Enterprises they may pursuing.

1. Extension programme planning should be based on an analysis of the past experiences, present  situation and future needs. 

For program determination, adequate information about the people and their situation has to be  collected. The present situation is to be analysed and interpreted on the basis of past experiences by  taking local people into confidence. This shall help in arriving at the future needs.

2. Extension programme should have clear and significant objectives which could satisfy important  needs of the people. 

The ultimate objectives of program building are to satisfy the needs of the people. For this purpose,  significant objectives pertaining to important needs of the people should be selected and clearly  stated. The emphasis Shall be on what is attainable rather than on what is ideal; also one should not  lose sight of the later.

3. Extension programs should be fixed up priority on the basis of available resources and time.  

The rural people particularly in the developing countries have a multitude of problem. All problems  cannot be taken up at a time for solution because of the limitation of trained personnel, availability of  funds, facilities and other resources. Time is also a limiting factor as both the people and the funding  agencies  cannot  wait  for  an  indefinite  period  of  time  to  get  the  result.  Considering  all  these  parameters, it is essential to fix up priorities in the program.

4. Extension programs should clearly indicate the availability and utilisation of resources. 

An extension programme should clearly state where from the funds, facilities, supplies and the  needed personnel shall be available and how these shall be utilised. This shall make the program  practical and workable.

5. Extension programs should have a General agreement at various levels. 

Programs prepared at the various levels such as village, district, state and National levels should  conform to each other and shall not work at cross purposes. Similarly the extension programme of a  particular  department  should  not  be  conflict or  contradiction with  the  extension  programme of another department.

6. Extension programs should involve people at the local level. 

Extension programs are implemented at the local level. Local people should therefore be involved all  through from program formulation to programme implementation.

7. Extension programs should involve relevant Institutions and Organisation. 

Extension programs cannot be implemented in isolation. It requires the support of many Institution  and Organisation. The program should broadly indicate the Institutions and organisations to be  involved and how they shall contribute in attaining the program objectives.

8. Extension programs should have definite plan of work. 

The plan of work maybe separately drawn up or Incorporated in the program. The program should at  least broadly indicate how it will be executed . Unless the plan of work is drawn up the  program remains a theoretical exercise.

9. Extension programs should provide for evaluation of results and reconsideration of the program.

Extension programme is not a static outline of activities. The program should make provision for periodical monitoring and evaluation of result to judge its progress. On the basis of the findings of  evaluation, the program should be suitably modified to facilitate its reaching the objectives within the  stipulated period of time.

10. Extension programs should provide equal distribution of benefits amongst the members of the  community. 

It  has  been  found  that  in  a  community,  generally  the  resources  rich  person  benefit  more  in  comparison to the resources poor from the implementation of extension programs. As this may  generate  social  disparity  and  social  tensions.  The  planning  of  extension  programs  should  give  adequate emphasis on the weaker section of the community.

Importance of extension programme planning 

The importance of extension programme planning are given below

1. Programme planning makes complex work to simple.

2. Planning makes the program decent and effective.

3. Development of village and people needs are dependent on effective planning.

4. It helps to follow the right course of action.

5. It is also effective in solving problem.

6. It helps in growth and expansion of business.

7. It ensures careful consideration of what is to be done and why.

8. It establishes objectives towards which progress can be measured and evaluated.

9. It develops common understanding about the means and ends between various functionaries and  organisations.

10. It helps to develop leadership.

11. It avoids waste of time and money and promote efficiency.

12. It Justifies expenditure and ensure flow of funds.

13. It helps to have available in written form a statement for public use.

14. To give continuity during changes of personnel.

15. To coordinates the efforts of the different people working for rural development.

16. To have a means of choosing the important from the incidental problems and the permanent from  the temporary changes