MAINSTREAMING CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
2012
SESSION 3: DEVELOPING A DISASTER RESILIENT ACTION PLAN
Objectives:
Participants understand what is expected in a plan of action and how to develop it.
Participants are able to conceptualise appropriate local level plans and
institutionalise arrangements for driving the plans
Participants are able to formulate relevant practical impact indicators Participants
gain facilitation skills in conducting development planning
The final stage of community planning is to develop a realistic and practical plan of
action to implement those activities. This uses the tools of Community Based
Planning – a participatory and democratic approach to development visioning and
strategising. It should be a plan for community development to achieve the
Community Vision. – whilst being disaster resilient by including the priority DRR
actions (including disaster preparedness) that address key vulnerabilities. These
plans essentially contribute to the long-term, climate resilient, development of the
community.
In group planning the issue of organizing communities into different socio-economic
groups enables inclusive participation taking account of the most vulnerable groups
especially those affected by HIV/AIDS, women, the elderly etc.
For communities, planning is a key skill to learn for the future, so facilitators must
ensure that there is strong ownership and leadership from within. However, with
potential conflict over priorities and access to resources, this can be a time-
consuming and challenging process.
Like all good planning, the resulting actions in the plan need to be specific. Detailed
operational activities must be developed, that specify what actions will be taken
(avoid broad statements such as 'livelihood opportunities will be diversified'). They
should be strategic – so that the series of projects and objectives envisaged will,
together, reap the greatest rewards in achieving the vision and goals. Activities
should be timed – with implementation of project activities sequenced over time, in
short, medium and long term phases, and timetable targets set. The plan should
ensure that relevant people, committees or groups take responsibility for overseeing
the monitoring implementation. The plan should be realistic – ensuring that the
activities are attainable by the people who take on the responsibilities, and that
resources needed to implement the plan are identified.
The plan should include an action plan for the year ahead – with the most detail for
projects and objectives for the year ahead. Communities need to store their VCA
findings to return to and create further plans in the future.
A Training Manual on Use of Climate Information and Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment for
Agricultural Extension Staff in Zimbabwe
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