Municipal periodic planning is a fundamental process for steering the growth and development of cities and rural areas. It encompasses setting strategic goals, defining development priorities, and outlining action plans that guide local governance and community initiatives. The integration of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) into this process represents a significant innovation, promoting a positive, strengths-based approach to planning and development.
The Eastern Research Institute of Positive Science (ERIPS) has been a pioneer in applying Appreciative Inquiry in municipal planning across Nepal. This comprehensive report explores how ERIPS has utilized AI to support municipalities in developing their periodic plans, highlighting the methodology, impact, and success stories of this transformative approach.
2. Understanding Appreciative Inquiry
2.1 Definition and Principles
Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a collaborative and strengths-based approach to organizational and community development. It focuses on identifying and building upon what works well, rather than concentrating on problems and deficiencies. AI’s core principles include:
- Constructionist Principle: Reality is co-created through social interactions. The way we discuss and inquire into issues shapes the outcomes we achieve.
- Simultaneity Principle: Inquiry and change occur simultaneously. The questions we ask influence the direction and nature of the change.
- Poetic Principle: Organizations and communities are like open books with many potential stories. We can choose which stories to focus on and amplify.
- Anticipatory Principle: Our expectations of the future guide our present actions. Positive anticipations lead to constructive changes.
- The Positive Principle: Positive organizational change requires positive sentiments, such as hope, inspiration, camaraderie, and the strengthening of social bonds.
These principles are fundamental to the AI approach, guiding stakeholders in envisioning and creating positive futures.
2.2 AI Methodology
The AI process typically involves the following phases:
- Definition: Clarifying the focus of the inquiry and defining the positive core.
- Discovery: Identifying and appreciating what works well within the organization or community.
- Dream: Envisioning a compelling future based on the strengths discovered.
- Design: Developing strategic initiatives and action plans to achieve the envisioned future.
- Destiny: Implementing the plans and creating an environment for sustainable change.
3. ERIPS and Appreciative Inquiry: A Strategic Partnership
3.1 ERIPS’s Role in Municipal Planning
Since its establishment in 2012, ERIPS has been at the forefront of promoting Appreciative Inquiry in Nepal. The institute’s mission is to facilitate positive societal transformation through strengths-based approaches. ERIPS has partnered with various municipalities to integrate AI into their periodic planning processes, aiming to create development plans that are inclusive, innovative, and aligned with community aspirations.
3.2 Objectives of ERIPS’s Engagement
ERIPS’s engagement with municipalities aims to:
- Enhance Stakeholder Engagement: Involve diverse stakeholders in the planning process to ensure that the plans reflect the needs and aspirations of the entire community.
- Foster Positive Change: Utilize AI’s strengths-based approach to identify opportunities and create actionable strategies for development.
- Promote Sustainable Development: Develop plans that are not only visionary but also practical and sustainable, addressing both immediate needs and long-term goals.
3.3 Methodology and Approach
ERIPS’s approach to applying AI in municipal planning involves several key steps:
- Initial Assessment: Conducting a preliminary assessment to understand the municipality’s context, strengths, and challenges.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Organizing workshops and meetings to engage stakeholders, gather insights, and build a shared vision for the future.
- AI Workshops: Facilitating AI workshops to guide stakeholders through the Discovery, Dream, Design, and Destiny phases of the AI process.
- Plan Development: Using the insights and visions generated through AI to develop a comprehensive periodic plan.
- Implementation and Monitoring: Supporting the implementation of the periodic plan and establishing mechanisms for ongoing evaluation and refinement.
4. Case Studies: Successful Implementation of AI in Municipal Planning
4.1 Pokhara Metropolitan City
Background: Pokhara is a major city in Nepal known for its scenic beauty and tourism industry. The city faced challenges related to urban planning, infrastructure development, and community engagement.
AI Application: AI Expert Dr. RC Lamichhane led the periodic plan preparation process in Pokhara Metropolitan City to develop a periodic plan using AI. The process involved:
- Discovery Phase: Identifying the city’s strengths, such as its natural resources, cultural heritage, and community spirit.
- Dream Phase: Envisioning a future where Pokhara becomes a model for sustainable urban development and community well-being.
- Design Phase: Developing strategic initiatives, including eco-friendly infrastructure projects, cultural preservation programs, and enhanced community services.
- Destiny Phase: Implementing the plan with the active participation of local stakeholders and establishing monitoring mechanisms to track progress.
Impact: The AI-based periodic plan for Pokhara has led to improved urban infrastructure, increased community engagement, and enhanced environmental sustainability. The plan was unveiled by the Right Honorable President of Nepal, highlighting its significance and impact.
4.2 Biratnagar Metropolitan City
Background: Biratnagar, a major industrial city in eastern Nepal, faced issues related to industrial pollution, infrastructure deficits, and social inequality.
AI Application: AI expert Dr. RC Lamichhane worked with Biratnagar Metropolitan City to apply AI in developing its periodic plan. The process included:
- Discovery Phase: Recognizing the city’s industrial strengths, cultural diversity, and economic potential.
- Dream Phase: Imagining a future where Biratnagar is a thriving, equitable, and environmentally friendly city.
- Design Phase: Formulating strategies to address industrial pollution, improve infrastructure, and promote social equity.
- Destiny Phase: Implementing the plan with a focus on sustainable development and community involvement.
Impact: The AI-based plan has resulted in improved infrastructure, reduced pollution levels, and enhanced social services. The collaborative approach fostered a sense of ownership and commitment among stakeholders.
4.3 Belaka Rural Municipality
Background: Belaka is a municipality in Udayapur District, facing challenges related to agriculture, infrastructure, and access to basic services.
AI Application: ERIPS assisted Belaka Municipality in developing its periodic plan using AI. The process involved:
- Discovery Phase: Identifying the municipality’s agricultural strengths, cultural heritage, and community resilience.
- Dream Phase: Envisioning a future where Belaka is a self-reliant, prosperous, and well-connected rural area.
- Design Phase: Develop strategies to enhance agricultural productivity, improve infrastructure, and provide better access to services.
- Destiny Phase: Implementing the plan with community participation and establishing monitoring mechanisms for ongoing improvement.
Impact: The AI-based plan has led to increased agricultural productivity, improved infrastructure, and better access to services. The participatory approach has strengthened community bonds and fostered local development.
5. Impact of Appreciative Inquiry on Municipal Periodic Planning
5.1 Positive Outcomes
The application of AI in municipal periodic planning has yielded several positive outcomes:
- Enhanced Collaboration: AI’s inclusive approach has fostered collaboration among diverse stakeholders, leading to more comprehensive and effective plans.
- Increased Engagement: The participatory nature of AI has engaged community members and stakeholders in the planning process, ensuring that their needs and aspirations are reflected in the plans.
- Innovative Solutions: AI’s focus on strengths and positive possibilities has led to the development of innovative solutions that leverage existing resources and capabilities.
- Sustainable Development: The AI-based plans are designed to be practical and sustainable, addressing both immediate needs and long-term goals.
5.2 Lessons Learned
Several key lessons have emerged from the application of AI in municipal planning:
- The Importance of Positive Focus: Focusing on strengths and positive possibilities has proven effective in creating actionable and inspiring plans.
- The Value of Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging all stakeholders in the planning process is crucial for creating plans that are both comprehensive and supported by the community.
- The Need for Flexibility: Periodic plans developed using AI should be adaptable to changing circumstances and ongoing feedback.
5.3 Recommendations for Future Planning
Based on the experiences and outcomes of applying AI in municipal planning, the following recommendations are proposed:
- Expand AI Applications: Other municipalities should consider applying AI in their planning processes to benefit from its strengths-based approach.
- Enhance Stakeholder Engagement: Continue to prioritize stakeholder engagement to ensure that plans are inclusive and reflective of community needs.
- Monitor and Evaluate: Establish robust mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of periodic plans to ensure their effectiveness and adaptability.
6. ERIPS’s Contribution to Positive Societal Transformation
6.1 ERIPS’s Vision and Mission
ERIPS was established with the vision of contributing to positive societal transformation through strengths-based approaches. The institute’s mission is to promote Appreciative Inquiry and other positive methodologies to foster inclusive, innovative, and sustainable development.
6.2 ERIPS’s Achievements
Since its establishment, ERIPS has achieved significant milestones, including:
- Successful Partnerships: Collaborating with various municipalities to develop periodic plans using AI.
- Capacity Building: Conducting training workshops, seminars, and workshops on Appreciative Inquiry for government, non-government, and private organizations.
- Positive Impact: Contributing to the development of innovative and effective periodic plans that have led to positive changes in communities across Nepal.
6.3 Future Directions
ERIPS aims to continue its work in promoting Appreciative Inquiry and other strengths-based approaches. Future directions include:
- Expanding Reach: Extending the application of AI to more municipalities and communities across Nepal.
- Strengthening Partnerships: Building stronger partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations to enhance the
