Problems of implementing integrated rural development programmes : case study of Hambantota Integrated Rural Development Project, Sri Lanka | |
| Author | Amarasinghe, Sagara |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.HS-85-01 |
| Subject(s) | Rural development--Sri Lanka Hambantota Integrated Rural Development Project |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Engineering and Technology |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This study was undertaken to identify the implementation problems of rural development programmes in Sri Lanka. Concept of planning, implementation and people's participation have been examined in relation to the Hambantota integrated Rural Development Programme with special reference to the tank cluster settlement project which consists of multi-sectoral development activities. The concept of integrated rural development and the background of rural development in Sri Lanka, have been discussed to find out objectives and strategies of rural development programmes. Literature on rural development programmes in developing countries as well as in Sri Lanka, has been revied to gain the insight necessary to identify the nature of implementation problems. The separae planning system, organization of implementation and organizational structure are examined to highlight the complexity of the problems of planning and implementation and lack of authority at the district level to ensure proper co-ordination. The study also reveals that contradiction and ambiguity in development policies affect the district planning framework adversely. As a result it produced defective plans which created numerous implementation problems. lack of integration and co-ordination of multi-sectoral development activities take prominent place among implementation problems. The organization of implementation is rather complex. This situation has not created environment for long-term intervention of line agencies in implementing the programme. Reluctance, limited capacity, separate procedures and interest of line agencies in planning and implementing the programme, lack of clear-cut instructions from their parent organizations make the co-ordination of multi-sectoral development activities difficulty. On the other hand project director is entrusted overall co-ordination of the functions of the line agencies involved without statutory controlling power over them or any other effective mechanism to co-ordinate except personal relations and offering of limited incentives. There is no effective feedback mechanism. Heavy workload on the project office weakens the project planning, monitoring and management activities. personal competency of the project director to build up harmonious relationship with line agencies could be seen as a special case. Further this study reveals that the popular participation in the project planning and implementation is very weak. Presented avenues for popular participation are very narrow. People tend to be dependents on the government. Though it is a risk to make general conclusions from a small case study like this, some useful conclusions have been derived. Some of these could be generalized for all integrated rural development programmes in the country and others are specific to the project under study. Recommendations are made to solve some of the identified implementation problems and for further research on others. |
| Year | 1985 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology (SET) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Human Settlement (HS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Dias, Hiran D. |
| Examination Committee(s) | Weber, Karl E. ;Setty, E. Desingu |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | The Canadian International Development Agency |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1985 |