Evaluation of Development Programs Through Force Field Analysis (An Experiment in Parvathipuram ITDA area of Vizianagaram District of Andhra Pradesh)

Abstract

Force field Analysis is a technique to visually identify and analyse force affecting a problem situation so as to plan a positive change. It has been used in diverse fields ranging from organizational change to self development. Its visual character, simplicity, suitability for group work and applicability in planning or change makes it a potential tool with application in PRA. FFA has proven to be helpful in analyzing problems and identifying solutions. Because it is based on visual depiction, FFA provides people with opportunities to think of forces that are effecting the problem in question. Even problems that look quite vague start becoming clear. The forces are quantified and their strength represented visually, this makes it easier for the participants to think of how to grapple with them in order to bring about desirable change. These are taken jointly in the light of resource available, other constraints etc. Often solutions start to emerge to seemingly insurmountable problems. FFA is most effective in small groups and therefore fits well with the basic tenets of PRA, where the methods are supposed to enable local people to share, enhance and analyse their knowledge of and conditions to plan and act. Despite being a useful tool to use for facilitating participatory discussion and planning, it has not been widely used as yet (although there is one notable exception reference, see Montgomery, 1995). This method was used by Sri Somesh Kumar, IAS to analyse the status of primary education and also to analyse the reasons of migration in Orissa and also Women participation in local Women group. Basing on these techniques the opinion of the VTDA Presidents/secretaries was taken on different developmental activities being implemented by Tribal Welfare Department, besides their opinion on VTDAs and traditional agriculture. Most complaints are against non-availability of teacher, no school building and also on mid-day meal programme. In some areas the schools are running well. Especially for cashew, there is good response as it is yielding good results and giving Rs.12,000/- per acre. They are of the opinion that sprayers are to be supplied to each VTDA and VLWs (Village Liaison Workers) are misappropriating the sprayers. During flowering season there will be loss due clouds. With increasing emphasis on decentralization and participatory to development there is a tremendous scope for application of FFA in PRA. At presents its potential is only partially utilized. By utilizing this method people views can be known on different schemes being implemented by different ITDAs