The Local Level Participatory Planning Approach (LLPPA) starts with the selection of communities based on needs and problem assessment. The development committees are formed consisting of one or two technical staff and seven to eight farmers. They are elected by the community through a general assembly of land users.
The development committees plan and co-ordinate development activities. They first conduct a survey of the biophysical and socio-economic conditions of the area. Then problems are identified and prioritized with the community members through participatory rural appraisal (PRA). Land use analysis followed by the definition of objectives, identification of development options and selection of appropriate SWC interventions is carried out on a consultative basis. Targets for achievements are established and resources and inputs are determined. Finally the development committee prepares a work plan. The plan for SWC activities is then submitted to the community leaders and the approval of the plan is made by the general assembly of land users in consultation with the technical field staff.
The development committee is given the responsibility for organizing implementation. The beneficiaries actively participate in this implementation, in maintenance and in utilization of the assets created by contributing their labour and resources. Whenever required technical field staff give technical advice during implementation of development activities – area closure for rehabilitation in this case. Participatory monitoring and evaluation of activities is another important elements of the approach.
The main purpose of LLPPA is to enhance farmer’s involvement in all steps of the development process, from the initial stages of the planning to implementation of the activities and in the evaluation of the achievements. A good relationship between land users and field workers and acceptance as well as support of the development activities by the land users are fundamental prerequisites for fruitful implementation and maintenance of SWC measures.
