Reducing pitfalls in agricultural development projects: a case for the participatory project management cycle (PPMC)

The management of agricultural projects is a factor that can contribute to their success or failure. In worst-case scenarios poorly managed projects seem to continue with a life of their own and without clear direction. In the cycle of agricultural development projects, including programmed extension, major pitfalls can occur of the necessary phases are ignored or incorrectly implemented. The argument is that these can be avoided if the Participatory Project Management Cycle (PPMC) is followed. While there are a number of methods available for trained agricultural researchers who do not undergo such training but are often expected to carry out technology transfer. This is often done without the collaboration of trained extensionists. Subsequently a method had to be developed using the basic project management knowledge that some agricultural researchers had obtained through experience and short courses. Two case studies are used to highlight what happens when the PPMC is followed or not.