Knowledge Bank

Logical Framework Approach (LFA)

January 11, 2022, Evaluation Observatory

Since program measurement – monitoring and evaluation – need to work simultaneously with the project cycle; it is important to plan for them alongside the project design. The Logical Framework Approach is a tool to organise and structure our thinking for project design and management purposes. It is primarily used by donor agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and government agencies to facilitate efficient project management by setting performance standards which provide the framework for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) (Singh et al., 2017).

The Logframe analysis makes it easier to plan and manage a project as one can monitor how actions lead towards the desired goal (The Guardian, 2015)with a step-by-step approach. The situation and problems are first deconstructed, suitable project objectives are chosen, strategies to achieve these objectives and their alternatives are explored, and risks are accounted for. Taken together, all these steps ultimately culminate in developing a project planning matrix (steps as described in diagram below). The Project Planning Matrix or Logframe is 2x2 matrix, which helps evaluators systematically represent and trace the project’s causal pathways, develop measurement indicators, plan the means of verifying them, and underline the risks and assumptions underlying the project implementation.

The steps involved in conducting Logframe Analysis are as follows (Singh et al., 2017).

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The Logframe matrix is traditionally divided into four rows, which describe the long- to short-term objectives ranging from top to bottom; and trace out the steps to achieve and measure them, left to right (The Guardian, 2015). The Structure of the Logframe can be understood from the following template and example.

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Source: (Singh et al., 2017)

However, prior to embarking on developing or interpreting a logframe, it will be important to understand the use of key terms:

Vertical logic

• Goal: It reflects the larger aim of the project.

• Outcome/Purpose: It highlights aspects like what will be achieved, who will benefit, and by when.

• Outputs: It specifies the results which the project will generate.

• Activities: These are tasks that need to be completed for achieving the output.

Horizontal logic

• Objectively Verifiable Indicators: Performance indicators to measure achievement of short and long-term goals

• Means of Verification: Tools used to collect information on indicators

• Risks or Assumptions: Assumptions or pre-conditions that need to be met, to conduct activities, and achieve outputs, outcomes and goals.

The logframe matrix can be understood with the help of following sample logframe, as embedded below. (Read bottom to top, and left to right).

The US military originally developed the tool in the 1960s, after which it was later adopted by USAID for its development projects. Since then, it is often used as a standard approach required by donors for grant applications (The Guardian, 2015), and monitoring and evaluation plans.

For a broad overview

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• A Practitioners’ Manual on Monitoring and Evaluation of Development Projects

  Written by Kultar Singh, Dharmendra Chandurkar and Varun Dutt, Chapter 2 of this book explains the concept of Logframe analysis and provides the rationale for using it. It also explains steps in Logframe analysis with the help of an example.

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• How to write a Logframe: a beginner’s guide

  Published by The Guardian, this article explains the concept of Logframe for beginners with the help of an example.

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• Logframe by Better Evaluation

  Developed by Better Evaluation, this post defines the Logframe and the key terms associated with it. It talks about the potential disadvantages, and potential alternatives to the Logframe to tackle the disadvantages. It also provides a template and tips for using it.

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• Guidance on using the revised Logical Framework Approach

  Although especially designed for professionals working with DFID, practitioners will benefit from this guidance document to effectively make use of the (revised) logical framework (Logframe) in designing and managing projects with the help of examples and provides a checklist for completing the Logframe.

For in depth understanding

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• The Logframe Handbook

  Developed by World Bank, this handbook summarises the rationale and essential elements of the Logframe for practitioners. It also provides guidelines for constructing Logframe along with sample Logframes.

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• The Logical Framework

  Developed by AusGuideline, this document introduces the concept of Logframe analysis, its steps, and has a detailed discussion on constructing a Logframe matrix.

Case Study

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• The Logical Framework Methodology: a Case Study and Commentary

  Written by John H. Magill, Jr., this paper explores the process of developing and using the logical framework matrix, some of the problems encountered, and ways of coping with them.

Toolkits

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• Logical Framework (Logframe) Template

  Developed by University of Florida. This document provides a Logframe template for practitioners and explains its use with the help of a case study.

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• Logical framework

  Developed by UNODC, this document demonstrates the use of the Logframe matrix.