DEVELOPMENT: Bottom Up Planning

Introduction

In the wake of the recent change in the National Government, especially in the parliament and in the light of much discussion on the concept of  "bottom up development planning and execution", bottom up planning is a difficult development concept to be fully grasped. For some time now, it has established itself as a development phenomenon that policy makers and implementers still grapple with.

Bottom up planning and implementation is a development concept that is influenced by the development theory called the "post -development theory". This theory came about when development experts realised that whatever development plans that were put in place, especially in developing countries, failed to deliver the anticipated outcomes.

Post-development theory and bottom up development planning and exectution

In the context of the challenge discussed  above, "Post-Development theory" is the 'intervention' theory created to solve the phenonmenon of underdevelopment. Hence, conceived by the post-development theory, this notion of "bottom up devlopment planning and execution" is technically not a new development concept of a particular development experience. It is rather  a change in the approach as to how the failed initial development plan will be carried out anew, this time with a different approach.

Bottom up development planning and execution loopholes to avoid

In the light of the discussed context, let me suggest to those who are intereseted in the bottom up development planning and development approach certain important points to consider. The "bottom up development plan and its implementation will still fail:

1. If the certain significant variables that was supposed to be executed in the initial plan is not identified and included in the new approach.

2. If the context of the development is not properly understood and established as was the case in the initial development plan and approach.

3. If the primary and responsible stakeholders are not properly identified and their voice so far that was missing in the initial plan is not considered.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the three major loopholes outlined above in this short article are worth considering if the "Bottom Up Development Planning and Execution process" is considered for development theory, policy and practice.