Tips on Logical Framework Development and Monitoring and Evaluation Plans

An analysis of the submitted logical frameworks and M&E plans of the Implementing Partners’ was conducted. Based on this analysis, we provide tips on how to improve them into the future.

1) Define the key terms you use when writing your indicators so that all readers interpret them the same way.  For example, an indicator may refer to “youth” but people may have a different understanding of the age range “youth” covers. For some it can be 15-20 years of age while for others it is 18-35.

2) Try to avoid self-assessment of the beneficiaries with regard to their results as much as possible. Aim for independent surveys, observations, analysis of accounts, etc.

3) Ensure that you focus more on project outcomes as opposed to outputs as much as possible. The higher level results, as stated in outcomes are the most important. Place more focus on providing evidence that the project is really making a difference in the improvement of the lives of beneficiaries. That is, how have their lives improved?

4) Remember that outputs are the immediate results such as number of people trained, number of people who have joined savings groups, etc.

5) Outcomes are the more important higher level results such as increases in the incomes of beneficiaries. Review guidelines on the difference between outcomes and outputs here.

6) Clearly identify what different project stakeholders will actually do. For example, when proposing the establishment of organisations, committees, community groups, the indicator definition needs to define their role even, if very briefly.  

7) Ensure that your logical framework clearly states how the different project components fit together to help you to achieve your overall goal. Logical frameworks tend to compartmentalise the components too much so it is useful to show how they will be linked together to achieve the expected results.

8) Ensure that there is clarity in how you will measure whether a result has been achieved. Too often it is a cut and paste of terms without sufficient reflection on how indicators will be measured.

9) Use clear phrasing as much as possible.

 Avoid statements such as:

-  “Opportunities are generated” which can be interpreted in too many ways. Even if a definition of such a term is provided as part of the indicator definitions, it is better to be more specific.

- “There will be an increase in profits". This needs more detail. It is better to define clearly how much would be considered an increase in profits. Would it be 1%, 10%, 50%? How will increases be measured given the notorious challenges to measure profits in informal economy activities?

- “Beneficiaries will apply skills” which needs to be more precise. How do you measure application of skills?

 - “Youth will have access to social protection” is still too theoretical. Being able to access is not the same as actually accessing social protection. In this case it would be best to say, for example: “number of youth accessing social protection safety nets”.

-  “Ensuring participation” of target groups, including child and youth participation.  We all know that participation is important for the success of projects. This term is often interpreted to mean that target groups participate in actions such as raising awareness. It should, however, include ensuring that target groups participate in decision making on how and when things are done. Wording in the indicators and their definitions should reflect such points.