Developing the plan

• Define priority actions for the plan. Be aware of power dynamics and ensure that all groups are heard and can contribute to the plan. Verify that the key actions proposed address all the most important causes of vulnerability.
• Sharpen up the plan. Ensure that all actions are clear and understood by everyone. Define what change is expected as a result of an action – in other words, what will be seen when this action is completed? Clarify who is responsible for doing each action, and who will ensure that the action is done. Get the commitment of those involved. Establish timelines. Calculate how much money and what equipment will be needed to complete each action.
• Determine how much time and resources will be needed to monitor the plan. For example, a community member who engages in a monitoring committee will have to travel to engage with district officers – can the community compensate them for their time and travel expenses?
• Are those involved in the plan willing to engage? Are they willing to commit in front of a public assembly?
• Highlight what other actors should do. Not all the necessary actions to reduce vulnerability can be done by the local community. The PVA is also about reaching other actors and engaging them.
• Make sure that decisions and agreements are captured: use flip charts, audio and video.

Meeting at district-level

• Consolidate the analysis and plans and present these to the district authorities.
• What is the plan for action at district level?
• Are roles, responsibilities and timelines clear?
• Is there agreement on how the plan will be monitored?

Connecting at provincial, national and international levels

• See PVA 8 - Provincial / national / international-level planning and advocacy

Implementation & monitoring

• Ensure that the planned actions get done. A good plan should make clear who is in charge of monitoring specific actions and what should happen when those responsible for an action do not do them.
• The creation and respect of mutual accountabilities is a key component of the PVA process. When actors in the process fail to be accountable for their work, other actors should push them to respect their promises. It can be hard for marginalised communities to make others accountable, and they will need support in this
• endeavour.
• Reflect on and celebrate change: ensure that the PVA process includes space for reflection – moments when participants can look back, remember the past situation and check what progress has taken place.
• Ensure that participants can learn from their successes and mistakes as part of the process. Whenever possible, share progress and learning broadly – including with communities experiencing the same vulnerabilities elsewhere.
• Revise and update the plans periodically, based on a fresh analysis and understanding of vulnerabilities.
• Create feedback mechanisms, so that the communities involved in the PVA and other key actors are always informed of any progress made.
• Document and communicate throughout the entire process to ensure that analysis is preserved, decisions are recorded, progress is reported and expenses are registered.

Resources

• Participatory Vulnerability Analysis and Action, ActionAid International, 2009.