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Logical Framework Approach

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The Logical Framework Approach (LFA) is a management tool mainly used in the design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects. The LFA method was developed by Leon J. Rosenberg, under contract to USAID in 1969. Practical Concepts Incorporated, a firm founded by Rosenberg, then extended use of LFA to 35 countries. LFA is widely used by bilateral and multilateral donor organizations like GTZ, SIDA, NORAD, DFID, UNDP and EC. It has also been widely adopted by NGOs, though not without reservations and concerns by some.

The Logical Framework takes the form of a four x four project matrix. The four rows describe the project Activities, Outputs, Purpose and Goal (from bottom to top on the left hand site - see EC web site as under external links). The four columns provide a Narrative description of each of these events, Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs - second column)of these events taking place, Means of Verification (MoV - third column)where information will be available on the OVIs and then Assumptions (fourth column). External factors are called Assumptions, but only those factors that potentially impact on the success of the project should be identified, but only those assumptions that can not be directly controlled by the project or program managers, but should not be killer assumptions (those assumptions with which one cannot start the project - redefine project and or component that creates the killer assumption). There might have to be preconditions (like funds available) that are placed below the Activity row in the fourth column.

The core of the Logical Framework is the "temporal logic model" that runs through the matrix. This takes the form of a series of connected propositions:

  • If these Activities are implemented, and these Assumptions hold, then these Outputs will be delivered
  • If these Outputs are delivered, and these Assumptions hold, then these Purposes will be achieved.
  • If these Purpose are achieved, and these Assumptions hold, then these Goals will be achieved.

These are viewed as a hierarchy of hypotheses, with the project/program manager sharing responsibility with higher manaagement for the validity of hypotheses beyond the output level. Thus, Rosenberg brought the essence of scientific method to non-scientific endeavors.

The "Assumptions" column is of great importance in clarifying the extent to which project/program objectives depend on external factors, and greatly clarify "force majeure"-- of particular interest when the Canadian Development Agency (CIDA)at least briefly used the LFA as the essence of contracts.

Handbooks

The Logical Framework Approach, Handbook for objectives-oriented planning, Fourth edition, NORAD, 1999, ISBN 82-7548-160-0.

  • Working with the Logical Framework Explanations of how the Logical Framework works,Wider discussions of Logic Models, Critiques of the Logical Framework, Alternative versions of the Logical Framework.
  • Centre for Informatic Apprenticeship and Resources in Social Inclusion Short description.
  • AusAid AusAid guideline for LFA [PDF file]
  • [1] Aid Delivery Methods, Volume 1, Project Cycle Management Guidelines, March 2004, manual can be down loaded.
  • [2] Site of PCM Group, Process Consultants & Moderators. Training courses on LFA and PCM (Project Cycle Management). Lots of downloadable documents.


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