EXTENSION PROGRAMME PALNNING :

PRINCIPLES, OBJECTIVES, STEPS AND

EVALUATION
• Extension Programme Planning is a continuous process.
It is a blueprint or plan to an extension worker for
effective execution. All extension activities require careful
planning, if it is to be effective. To understand the
extension programme planning process, certain basic
concepts of an extension programme, planning and
extension planning need to be understood.
Programme

• The word 'programme' has several distinct meanings in the

dictionary. It means a proclamation, a prospectus, a list of
events, a plan of procedure, a course of action prepared or
announced beforehand, a logical sequence of operations to
be performed in solving a problem. This is a written
statement which describes the extension activities proposed,
the problems they address, the premises on which they are
based, the objectives they seek to attain and the resources
they require.
• According to Kelsey and Hearne (1949), an "extension programme" is
a statement of situation, objectives, problems and solutions'.
According to the USDA (1956), an "extension programme" is arrived
at co-operatively by the local people and the extension staff and
includes a statement of:
• The situation in which the people are located;
• The problems that are a part of the local situation;
• The objectives and goals of the local people in relation to these
problems; and
• The recommendations or solutions to reach these objectives on a
long-time basis (may be several years) or on a short-time basis (may
be one year or less).
• 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. Lawrence (1962) says that an "extension
programme" is the sum total of all the activities and undertakings of a
county extension services. It includes: (i) programme planning process;
(ii) written programme statement; (iii) plan of work; (iv) programme
execution; (v) results; and (vi) evaluation.
• From the above definitions, it is clear that an extension programme:
• Is a written statement;
• Is the end product of extension programme planning;
• Includes a statement of situation, objectives, problems and solutions;
• Is relatively permanent but requires constant revision;
• May include long-term as well as short-term programme objectives;
• Forms the basis of extension teaching plans;
• Has been drawn up in advance; and
• Has been built on the basis of content.
• Plan or Plan of work is an outline of activities so arranged as to
enable efficient execution of the entire programme. It answers the
questions of what, why, how, when, where and by whom the work
is to be done.
• Project: This pertains to one selected component of the extension
programme. Thus, when extension programme is a composite plan of
action, extending over a period of years, and extension plan is an
annual plan of work, extension project refers to the plan of solving a
single problem. A project is a specification of work to be done or
procedures to be followed in order to accomplish a particular
objective.  
• Calendar of work: It is a time schedule of work arranged
chronologically, according to the time period. It indicates, for any
given point of time, the kind of activities to be pursued. For example,
the improvement of the farmers’ standard of living may
• Aim is a broad objective. It is a very generalised statement of
direction and may have several objectives. It is also said to be an end
in view to give direction to the creative process. For example,
improvement of the farmers’ standard of living.
Objective is a direction of movement. A well stated objective is always
measurable. It is also said to be a goal of growth. For example, an
objective in an extension programme may be to increase the yield of
milk production by 20 per cent.
• Goal: Goal is the distance in any given direction one expects to go
during a given period of time. For example, to increase the average
yield of milk production from 5 litres to 5.5 litters per day per animal
in the current year.
• Problem
• It is an unsatisfactory situation. It is a situation that causes concern
and its solution is not known. For example, a farmer may notice low
milk yields of milk due to mastitis but may not now how to control it.
• Need
• It is a problem situation, the solution for which is also known. But the
ability to make the use of the solution is presently not there. For
example, a farmer may want a milking machine to milk more animals
but may not know how to apply it.
• Solution
• Solution is a course of proposed action to change an unsatisfactory
condition to one that is more satisfying.
• Project Management
• It is the process of managing and directing the appropriate use of
resources such as people, materials, money and time to complete a
particular project according to the objectives set forth.
Assumptions on Extension Planning

• The concept of extension planning is based on a number of assumptions. Boyle

(1965) has listed the following assumptions in this regard:
• Planning change is a necessary prerequisite to effective social progress for people
and communities.
• The most desirable change is predetermined and democratically achieved.
• Extension education programmes, if properly planned and implemented, can make
a significant contribution to planned change.
• It is possible to select, organize and administer a programme that will contribute to
the social and economic progress of people.
• People and communities need the guidance, leadership and help of extension
educators to solve their problems in a planned and systematic way.
Objectives of Programme Planning

• According to Kelsey and Hearne (1967), the objectives of having a programme

are as follows:
• To ensure careful consideration of what is to be done and why
• To furnish a guide against which to judge all new proposal
• To establish objectives toward which progress can be measured and evaluated
• To have means of choosing the important (deep rooted) from incidental
(minor, less important) problems and the permanent from temporary changes
• To develop a common understanding about the means and ends between
various functionaries and organisations.
• 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 on written form a statement for public use.
Principles of Programme Planning

1. Extension programme planning is based on analysis of the facts in a

situation
2. Extension programme planning selects problems based on people's
interests   
and needs
3. Extension programme planning determines definite objectives and
solutions which  
offer satisfaction
4. Extension programme planning has permanence with flexibility
• Extension programme planning has balance with emphasis
• Extension programme planning has a definite plan of work
• Extension programme planning is an educational process
• Extension programme planning is a continuous process
• Extension programme planning is a co-ordinating process
• Extension programme planning involves local people and their
institutions
• Extension programme planning provides for evaluation of results