The Logical Framework Approach 1

Objectives
The logical framework approach not only provides a project overview, but also forms a basis for monitoring and
evaluation. This chapter introduces the most important instrument of the approach, the so-called logframe matrix,
and lists the analyses that have to be carried out before it can be used.
Materials
Copies of the matrix and the explanation below for all participants.
Time
1 hour
Procedure
Distribute a short description of a project, or ask participants to describe one of their projects. Let them discuss
the internal (horizontal and vertical) logic of their project, filling in the logframe only as a final summary of their
discussion.

Explanation
The logical framework approach is used by a number of development agencies, such as the European Union, the US
Agency for International Development (USAID), the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), the
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD) Expert Group on Aid Evaluation and the Australian Government Overseas Aid Program (AusAID).

Before using the logframe, the following analyses have to be carried out:
• Stakeholder analysis: An overview of all persons, groups, institutions and so on that are affected by the project
(direct and indirect beneficiaries, target groups, project staff, etc.).
• Problem analysis: Analysis of an existing problem, its linkages to other problems and its reasons and effects.
A problem tree can be used as a visualisation method.
• Goal analysis: A description of the future situation. This analysis translates the negative situation outlined in the
problem analysis into positive sentences or goals.
• Alternative strategies analysis: This assesses different project strategies and helps to choose the most feasible approach.
The logical framework approach provides a project overview, but also forms a basis for monitoring and evaluation.
The most important instrument of the approach is a matrix, the so-called logframe. This consists of four columns in
which you fill in a short summary of the project, elements of monitoring and evaluation, and the main project assumptions:

Narrative Objectively Means of Important

The logframe follows a horizontal and a vertical logic, whereby the elements are both linked to each other logically and
cause each other (see the figure below). The activities influence the assumptions, and the assumptions in turn influence
the results, and so on.

Narrative Objectively Means of Important Narrative Objectively Means of Important

Purpose Purpose

Results Results

Activities Activities

Keywords:
• Goal: Broader developmental impact or overall objective. The problem which the project intends to solve.
What will be improved in the future?
• Purpose: Impact/effect of the project.
• Results: What must be achieved in order to fulfil the project purpose? This often takes the form of project mile-
stones, which must be achieved by a specific date.
• Activities: What must be done in order to achieve the results?
• Objectively verifiable indicators: Indicators that show whether the goal, purpose and results have been
achieved, or if the activities have been conducted. The indicators can be quantitative or qualitative, but must be
measurable.
• Means of verification: Where can we obtain information on the indicators? Can we use existing sources, or do
we have to conduct a survey? (for more information on indicators, see
 http://www.making-prsp-inclusive.org/uploads/media/Indicators.pdf)

• Important assumptions: The framework and working environment that influence the project. This includes
conditions for success as well as risks.
 3

Example
Narrative Objectively Means of Important
summary verifiable indicators verification assumptions
Goal: Jamaica to become Jamaica seen as a serious The international media Other teams are
dominant in the field of winter sports competitor. report about the success of not more successful.
competitive bobsledding. the Jamaican team.
Purpose: For Jamaica to The Jamaican Results of the 2002 There is enough snow
win the gold medal for team wins. Winter Olympics. for the Games to be
bobsledding at the 2002 held, and the Jamaican
Winter Olympics. team qualifies.
Results: Team members Team members capable Fitness report by
selected by (date). Team of running x meters in x team doctor.
at full fitness by (date). seconds by x time.
Activities: Develop a Four-year training schedule, Schedule written and agreed
training schedule. Find a budget and outcomes by coach, team members and
practice venue. Conduct a developed and agreed by x, team doctor. Budget and
publicity campaign to etc. Inputs: funding, means for the project exist.
recruit team members, etc. coach, bob, etc.

 Taken from BOND (nd): Logical Framework Analysis. Guidance Note No. 4. Available at:
http://www.gdrc.org/ngo/logical-fa.pdf
 BOND (nd): Logical Framework Analysis. Guidance Note No. 4. Available at:
http://www.gdrc.org/ngo/logical-fa.pdf
 The Disability Knowledge and Research Programme (DisabilityKar) (2004): Constructing a Logical
Framework. Available at: http://www.kar-dht.org/logframe.html