Participatory management in public extension services (PLA 52)

Miguel Loureiro describes the way in which greater participation by farmers and extension staff has helped to make government agricultural extension services in Ohangwena, Namibia more demand-driven and efficient. Miguel analyses the qualities of the management and technician team in the region which make it particularly effective, including their youth and openness to new approaches. He discusses management innovations in planning and budgeting, monitoring and evaluation, staff performance assessment, internal communications, interaction with stakeholders, and publicising activities. He includes examples of tools such as annual ‘activities and events’ calendars and participatory training needs assessments. Many of these managerial innovations are applicable to other governmental service delivery organisations, such as water supply, sanitation, health, and education.

Participatory Learning and Action 52 is a general issue. It includes a wide selection of articles, extracts and training tips from participatory practitioners around the world.

Participatory Learning and Action (PLA, formerly PLA Notes) is the world's leading series on participatory learning and action approaches and methods. PLA publishes articles on participation aimed at practitioners, researchers, academics and activists. All articles are peer-reviewed by an international editorial board. See: www.planotes.org

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