Manual - Participatory rapid diagnosis and action ... - FAO.org

PRDA Manual 105Action plan matrixWhyTo make a detailed plan for activities necessary to implement a solution witha clear division of responsibilities and deadlines.How to1. Start by briefly introducing the purpose of the tool. Make sure that itis clear to everyone.2. Draw a matrix with five columns. In the first column write downsolutions that have been agreed with farmers. Three levels of solutionscan be distinguished:• The first level can be implemented with little outside assistance(e.g. different water rotation schedule). Most can be implementedsoon.• The second level can be implemented by farmers withconsiderable external assistance. (e.g. constructing a storagefacility). The chances of external organizations being willing tosupport or give funding are higher when farmers also make acontribution to the costs. Generally, they take more time than thefirst category.• The third level are solutions which require a change ofpolicy or laws by the Government (e.g. training of extensionworkers, farmers’ water rights). These solutions are difficult toimplement.It is best to go only for solutions of level 1 and maybe level 2 tohave a quick result and prevent raising false expectations. Third levelsolutions should be communicated to very senior staff as they areoutside the capacity of most extension and development workers.3. Discuss with farmers which activities have to be carried out to arriveat solutions. Try to be as detailed and precise as possible and writethem down in column 2.4. Column 4 contains the organisations responsible for organizing orimplementing each activity.5. The final column contains the date by which the solution should beimplemented.Example (Table A17)