History of Planning in the Third World Study Notes

Chapter 3: The History of Planning in the Third World

Introduction

• Chapter Overview

  • Classification of planning activities introduced in Chapter 1.

  • Concerns with development planning; this book adopts a broader perspective than typical literature.

  • Distinction between "planning to achieve a state of development" vs. "planning the development process".

• Evolution of the concept of "development" post-World War II.

  • Shift in understanding and scope of development.

• Importance of reviewing historical context of planning practices in the Third World to comprehend contemporary needs.

Types of Planning Machinery in Third World Countries

• Economic Development Planning

  • Most significant type in terms of staff and influence over national decision-making.

  • Usually managed by a specific ministry or government agency; influences economic policies and strategies.

• Physical Planning

  • Known by various names: physical planning, land-use planning, urban and regional planning, town planning.

  • Typically housed under ministries concerned with land, surveys, or urban development.

• Historical comparison of terminology usage:

  • In developed countries, "planning" often refers to physical planning, while economic development planning is less emphasized.

Economic Development Planning

• Origin and Growth

  • Post-war aspect of planning in Third World countries; earlier colonial attempts noted.

  • Rapid growth in the early 1960s; few developing countries remained without economic development planning by then.

  • Waterston (1965) commented on the symbolic status of national plans as analogous to national flags and anthems.

• Waterston's Classification of Planning Activities

  • Four categories outlined: wartime planning, town and country planning, anticyclical planning, and development planning.

• Definition of Development Planning (Waterston, 1965)

  • Conscious, continuous attempt by governments to improve economic and social progress.

• Significance of Economic Planning

  • Predominantly focused on economic factors due to the economists leading the planning charge.

Origins of Economic Development Planning

• Post-war phenomenon with precursors before the Second World War.

• Notable early efforts in South and Southeast Asia (e.g., India Planning Commission established in 1950).

• African nations realized the necessity of planning slower due to later independence.

• Variability in planning practices rooted in historical and geographical contexts.

• Influence of the socialist bloc and the Soviet model of planning.

  • Early Soviet planning practices conveyed ideological inspiration for many Third World governments.

United States and UK Planning Influence

• Role of war-time planning on shaping post-war economic policies.

  • Demonstrated government capability to influence economic growth without solely leaning on market forces.

• Post-war development declined in the UK and US focused on anticyclical methods versus developmental ones.

  • Historical context: abated planning efforts in the UK include the Labour government's brief planning success in the 1960s.

• Ongoing interest molded by earlier conflicts and the response to economic downturns influenced later planning strategies in Third World nations.

Crisis in Planning: Mid-1960s Developments

• Acknowledged limitations of early planning methods prioritizing economic objectives.

  • Concerns highlighted include inadequate operational orientation, rigidity, and the planning-implementation gap.

• Growing disillusionment with top-down approaches of the 1960s.

• Seers (1972) called for a reevaluation of planning's purpose and effectiveness.

  • The role of planning is not diminished despite crises; need for realistic approaches emerges.

Changes in Scope of Development Planning

• Broadening beyond mere economic growth to encompass political, social, and environmental objectives.

• Recognition of integrated and inclusive development approaches.

• Critical reevaluation of methodologies and planners’ backgrounds.

The Role of Planners and Multi-Disciplinary Approaches

• Increased demand for diverse professional backgrounds beyond economists, including sociologists and environmental specialists.

• Emergence of social planning as a distinct practice.

Integrated Development Planning

• Concept of an interdisciplinary approach to bridge the gap between economic and physical planning.

• Synergy between different planning fields crucial for addressing complex socio-economic problems effectively.

Conclusion & Guide to Further Reading

• Early evolution summarized advocating for a holistic and integrated approach in planning across disparate socio-economic spheres.

• Recommended readings include works by Waterston, Mehmet, Faber, and others to grasp diversity and evolution within planning disciplines for developing regions.