This article is very important because it provides the basic definition of a plan and explains what it entails. It describes what is needed before a programme or project can be conducted. It lays the foundation and offers a general understanding of the course as a whole.
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Meaning of a Plan
A plan is the process of organising oneself to determine what to do in the future with stated objectives. A plan can be created at individual or governmental levels. At the governmental level, a plan is a summary of sectoral programmes, such as development plans.
Development plans outline the government’s programmes. For example, Nigeria has operated four major development plans, known as the first to fourth development plans. These plans reflect the government’s intentions in terms of national economic development. They include programmes in agriculture, education, defence, works, industry, and more.
Agriculture, as a programme, can be further broken down into smaller programmes such as irrigation, livestock, forestry, crop development, and land settlement. These subsets of agriculture are referred to as agricultural projects; they are not as extensive or detailed as programmes.
Planning is essential for any activity. It begins with a step, such as creating a family plan, a plan to establish a large estate, or a business plan. Due to frequent changes in certain conditions, long-term planning may not always be feasible, making shorter plans more effective than longer ones.
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Why Do We Plan?
The following are some of the reasons for planning:
i. For optimal utilisation of resources.
ii. To meet specific objectives.
iii. To understand the scope of the market.
iv. For time specificity.
v. For financial planning.
vi. To minimise the risk of failure.
vii. To ensure good management and maximise profit.
viii. To minimise waste and increase efficiency, such as in yield.
Planning is particularly important in developing countries for the following reasons:
i. The rate of growth is slow, and planning is necessary to accelerate it.
ii. The ability to plan is often limited in most developing countries.
iii. There is a shortage of personnel, limited knowledge among planners, and insufficient information.
iv. Execution remains the greatest challenge faced by developing countries.
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