A Logical Framework

Abstract

The logical framework, sometimes known as a logframe, is the most common planning tool used in social development. It defines the logic of a project or programme from its activities through to the desired changes, and is used as a basis for monitoring and evaluation. A logical framework can serve many different purposes. There are several versions, but each conforms to the same overall logic. The logical framework was originally created as a planning tool for military purposes, and was then further developed by NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) to plan space programmes. After being adopted by USAID in the 1970s, the logical framework has since spread to all areas of the development sector. It is the tool of choice for most official donors. A logical framework can serve many different purposes (see box below) depending on the context. It is probably this that has made it so popular within the social development community. How it works The original logical framework was based on a simple grid. It described what a project or programme needed to do to achieve its goal by outlining a hierarchy of objectives. An example is shown in figure 1 below. The narrative summary: Starting with the narrative summary column, the goal defines the longer-term change that a project or programme hopes to contribute to. The goal may be designed to be achieved after completion of the project or programme, and may depend on the actions of many different agencies, as well as changes in the external socioeconomic or political environment. The next row down deals with the purpose of the project or programme-the change it hopes to directly influence within its lifetime. The outputs row covers the tangible products or services the project or programme aims to deliver. The last two rows cover the activities of the project or programme, and the resources required to implement it (the inputs). Narrative Summary Objectively Verifiable Indicators Means of Verification Assumptions GOAL The longer-term change a project or programme hopes to contribute to The measures that will show whether or how far the goal has been achieved Sources of information, or methods used to collect the indicators (This box is not used) PURPOSE The change hoped for by the end of the project or programme The measures that will show whether or how far the purpose has been achieved Sources of information, or methods used to collect the indicators Assumptions necessary if the purpose is to contribute to the wider goal OUTPUTS The products or services the project or programme intends to deliver The measures that will show whether the outputs have been delivered Sources of information, or methods used to collect the indicators Assumptions necessary for outputs to generate the desired purpose ACTIVITIES The activities that will be implemented through the project or programme Assumptions necessary for activities to be turned into outputs INPUTS The financial, human, and material resources required to implement the project or programme Initial assumptions about the project Figure 1: The original logical framework The logical framework is also known as a logframe. There is no difference between the two terms, and they are used interchangeably even within the same documents. Uses of the logical framework ➔ A planning tool ➔ A tool for project or programme management ➔ The basis for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) within a project or programme ➔ An accountability mechanism ➔ A succinct summary of a development intervention ➔ A 'window' into the work of an organisation or complex programme ➔ A linear theory of change ➔ A mechanism for seeking funding or support With so many potential uses, the logical framework is truly the Swiss Army Knife of the development community!