Assessment of Applicability of Participatory Planning in Improving Rural Livelihoods in Tanzania: The case of Utalingolo and Igosi Villages of Njombe and Wanging’ombe Districts

Abstract

A study was conducted at Igosi and Utalingolo in Njombe and Wanging’ombe Districts, aimed to assess the applicability of participatory  planning in improving rural livelihoods. The study employed a case study approach. The study used purposive and convenient sampling  techniques. Data collection instruments included questionnaires and focus group discussions. Questionnaires were administered to 50  respondents and focus group discussions were organized for the same group of people. The major findings of the study are of two  categories; strengths and weaknesses. Strengths: the village development committees were well represented in terms of gender and  that, members were well informed on the participatory planning process. On the other part the study revealed that, the majority of the  members lacked proper education, expertise in planning among the committee members, poor leadership and monitoring and  evaluation techniques to established projects. The study recommended that all village members should be given mandatory training on  the process of planning to.