Planning a PALM programme
A typical PALM exercise takes about five days and includes the following:
Day 1: Introductory
The focus is on understanding the history of the village, its layout and the infrastructure available. Some other exercises called "empathisers" and "equalisers" are also included. These are held in the village and include the introduction of villagers and outsiders to one another, sharing village tasks (equalisers) and playing group games (empathisers). The purpose is to create an atmosphere of friendliness and equality as well as indicate the outsiders' willingness to learn.
Day 2: Exploratory (Simple)
The second day is devoted to studying various natural and artificial resources of the village, the different patterns of livelihood, changing trends and lifestyles. The exercises are held in the village and include all villagers willing to participate. Along with helping participants to interact, they allow villagers to show how well they know their village and its surrounding areas, and explain various rural practices. The exercises give a comprehensive idea of the physical environment of the village and establish the basis for the complex exercises that follow. Identification of problems and development opportunities form an important part of the exercise.
Day 3: Exploratory (Complex)
This involves gathering information on seasonality, identifying resources, ranking wealth, noting caste and class stratification and conflict. As some of these are sensitive issues, care in selection of participants, selection and use of materials and interpretation, is needed.
Day 4: Convergence
This stage involves identifying opportunities, listing priorities, identifying roles and responsibilities of various partners, including the villagers.
Day 5: Concluding
The information gathered is documented and the operational plan for future action is drawn up.