Training Course on Participatory Development Planning, Community Engagement and Participation

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Participatory Development Planning

ü  Definition and evolution of participatory development

ü  Key principles and benefits of participatory approaches

ü  Differences between top-down and bottom-up planning

ü  Role of facilitators in participatory processes

ü  Practical Session: Group discussion on real-world examples of participatory planning

Module 2: Principles of Community Engagement and Participation

ü  Core values of community participation

ü  Levels and typologies of participation (Arnstein’s Ladder)

ü  Barriers to effective participation and how to overcome them

ü  Building trust and collaboration with communities

ü  Practical Session: Role-playing community consultation scenarios

Module 3: Stakeholder Analysis and Mapping

ü  Identifying key stakeholders in development projects

ü  Tools for stakeholder analysis (Power-Interest Grid, Venn Diagrams)

ü  Engaging marginalized and vulnerable groups

ü  Strategies for managing stakeholder expectations

ü  Practical Session: Conducting a stakeholder mapping exercise

Module 4: Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Tools and Techniques

ü  Overview of PRA methods (Transect Walks, Seasonal Calendars, etc.)

ü  Conducting participatory needs assessments

ü  Facilitating focus group discussions (FGDs)

ü  Documenting and analyzing PRA findings

ü  Practical Session: Field simulation using PRA tools

Module 5: Community Mobilization and Empowerment Strategies

ü  Steps in mobilizing communities for action

ü  Techniques for fostering local leadership

ü  Strengthening community-based organizations (CBOs)

ü  Measuring empowerment outcomes

ü  Practical Session: Developing a community mobilization plan

Module 6: Conflict Resolution and Consensus Building

ü  Sources of conflict in community projects

ü  Negotiation and mediation techniques

ü  Facilitating dialogue and consensus-building

ü  Case studies of successful conflict resolution

ü  Practical Session: Conflict resolution role-play

Module 7: Gender and Social Inclusion in Participatory Planning

ü  Gender-sensitive participatory approaches

ü  Addressing biases and power imbalances

ü  Inclusive planning for marginalized groups

ü  Tools for promoting gender equity

ü  Practical Session: Gender analysis exercise

Module 8: Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E)

ü  Differences between traditional M&E and PM&E

ü  Developing participatory indicators

ü  Tools for community-led evaluation (Scorecards, Feedback Mechanisms)

ü  Using PM&E data for adaptive management

ü  Practical Session: Designing a PM&E framework

Module 9: Leadership and Communication for Community Development

ü  Essential leadership skills for participatory development

ü  Effective communication techniques with diverse stakeholders

ü  Building trust and credibility in community settings

ü  Overcoming resistance to change

ü  Practical Session: Leadership simulation exercise

Module 10: Designing Participatory Development Projects

ü  Steps in participatory project design

ü  Integrating community priorities into project plans

ü  Logical framework approach (LFA) in participatory contexts

ü  Risk assessment and mitigation strategies

ü  Practical Session: Group project design workshop

Module 11: Resource Mobilization and Sustainability

ü  Identifying local and external resources

ü  Strategies for community-led fundraising

ü  Ensuring financial and operational sustainability

ü  Partnerships with donors and private sector

ü  Practical Session: Developing a resource mobilization plan

Module 12: Ethical Considerations in Community Engagement

ü  Power dynamics and ethical dilemmas in participation

ü  Informed consent and confidentiality

ü  Avoiding exploitation and tokenism

ü  Codes of conduct for facilitators

ü  Practical Session: Ethical case study analysis

Module 13: Digital Tools for Participatory Development

ü  Overview of ICT4D (Information and Communication Technology for Development)

ü  Mobile data collection tools (Kobo Toolbox, ODK)

ü  Social media and online platforms for engagement

ü  Addressing digital divides

ü  Practical Session: Hands-on with a participatory digital tool

Module 14: Policy Advocacy and Community-Led Development

ü  Linking community priorities to policy change

ü  Advocacy strategies for marginalized groups

ü  Engaging with government and policymakers

ü  Success stories of community-driven advocacy

ü  Practical Session: Developing an advocacy campaign plan

Module 15: Case Studies of Successful Participatory Projects

ü  Global and local examples of participatory success

ü  Lessons learned and replicable strategies

ü  Analyzing failures and corrective measures

ü  Adaptive management in participatory projects

ü  Practical Session: Group analysis of a case study

Module 16: Challenges and Solutions in Participatory Approaches

ü  Common pitfalls in participatory planning

ü  Managing unrealistic community expectations

ü  Balancing speed and inclusivity

ü  Scalability of participatory methods

ü  Practical Session: Problem-solving roundtable discussion

Module 17: Field Practicum: Applying Participatory Methods

ü  Conducting a real-world community assessment

ü  Facilitating a participatory workshop

ü  Practicing PRA tools in field conditions

ü  Immediate feedback and reflection

ü  Practical Session: Full-day field exercise with supervision

Module 18: Action Planning and Course Wrap-Up

ü  Developing personal action plans

ü  Strategies for institutionalizing participatory approaches

ü  Peer review of action plans

ü  Certification and closing ceremony

ü  Practical Session: Presentation of action plans to the group

About the Trainers

Our trainers are seasoned development practitioners with over 15 years of experience in participatory planning, community engagement, and capacity building across Africa and globally. They have worked with governments, NGOs, and international agencies, bringing real-world insights and best practices to the training.

Requirements

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free
2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.
4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.
5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737566961

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.
2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.
3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.
2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.
3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor Made Courses

This training course can also be customized for your institution upon request for a minimum of 5 participants. You can have it conducted at our Training Centre or at a convenient location.

For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737566961 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com  

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

Accommodation and Airport Transfer is arranged upon request and at extra cost. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737566961