National language planning involves four interdependent processes that ideally constitute a cycle: fact-finding, policy formation, implementation, and evaluation. Each of these processes is more difficult in the relatively young but highly pluralistic nations of Africa. A community-based model of language planning offers ways to alleviate or rectify some of those problems by the use of a decentralized and more participatory approach to the language planning process. Whereas African governments feel compelled to assume most of the responsibility for all stages of language planning, more local-level input and activity could provide greater benefits at reduced cost. The community-based language planning model (CBLP) includes establishment of a community language center at the geographic or demographic center of the language community, which would be requested by the community and staffed by trained local native-speakers. The community would be responsible for the material needs of personnel and operations and for public relations. Certain language tasks, such as instructional programs and literacy projects, would have to be accomplished within a predetermined governmental time-frame. CBLP claims to offer a more direct route to successful planning and implementation by making language managers aware of public needs and usage, by making users aware of language planning agencies' products and services, and by creating a demand for those services. (MSE)