The Termite Model (Theory) - Discovered by Tambulukani and Banda

The Termite Model (Theory) - Discovered by Tambulukani and Banda

Article by Sitwe Benson Mkandawire

The ‘Termite Model (Theory)’ state that “the development, implementation and success of a big or national project cannot be entrusted in one hand but requires many stake holders if not all to take part from the planning to the implementation and completion of the project”.

The ‘Termite Model (theory)’ was developed by two researchers and academicians Dr. Geoffrey Tambulukani and Dr. Denis Banda from the University of Zambia in 2010 when they were researching on the role community schools play in the Zambian societies. A face to face interview with them about the model indicated that “they extracted this model from the daily experiences especially after seeing the cooperation that exists amongst very small ants in building a very complex structure for their survival”.  As seen in the diagram below.

ADVANTAGES OF THE TERMITE MODEL

(i)         It is the basis for all forms of development ranging from private to public, government and national building.

(ii)        It has no sense of ownership but when the work is done, the community and the nation as a whole says “we have done this ourselves”.

(iii)       It encourages unity and cooperation in a group of people or companies working together.

(iv)       It gets the work done faster as many people share responsibilities towards a project.

DISADVANTAGES OF THE TERMITE MODEL

(i)         Its frustrating and time consuming in the first stages when bringing all stake holders together to understand the nature of the project but once its done you are better.

(ii)        Others within the stake holders may become reluctant by relying on others to do the job for them.

Reference

Mkandawire S. B. (2010). The Termite Theory (Model). Circulatory article from the Zambia.