Problem Tree
Executive Summary
The problem, objective and strategy tree analysis is one participatory tool of mapping out main problems, along with their causes and effects, supporting project planners to identify clear and manageable goals and the strategy of how to achieve them. There are three stages in this analytic process: (1) the identification of the negative aspects of an existing situation with their “causes and effects” in a problem tree, (2) the inversion of the problems into objectives leading into an objective tree, and (3) the decision of the scope of the project in an analysis of strategies. The value of this type of assessment is greatest if it carried out at a workshop with the stakeholders, giving the opportunity to establish a shared view of the situation.
Introduction
A properly planned project is addressing the real needs of the beneficiaries and is therefore based upon a correct and complete analysis of the existing situation. The existing situation should be interpreted according to the views, needs, interests and activities of parties concerned. It is essential that all those involved participants accept the plans and are committed to implement them. The problem tree analysis belongs to the family of participatory planning techniques, in which all parties involved identify and analyse the needs together, creating ownership and commitment among the involved parties (e.g. beneficiaries, implementing organisations, local governments).
The problem tree, together with the strategies, is a methodology of three steps for identifying main problems, along with their causes and effects, helping project planners to formulate clear and manageable objectives and the strategies of how to achieve them.
Step 1: Problem Analysis
The problem analysis is the phase in which the negative aspects of a given situation are identified, establishing the cause and effect relationship between the observed problems. The problem analysis is of prime importance with regard to
The problem, objective and strategy tree analysis is one participatory tool of mapping out main problems, along with their causes and effects, supporting project planners to identify clear and manageable goals and the strategy of how to achieve them. There are three stages in this analytic process: (1) the identification of the negative aspects of an existing situation with their “causes and effects” in a problem tree, (2) the inversion of the problems into objectives leading into an objective tree, and (3) the decision of the scope of the project in an analysis of strategies. The value of this type of assessment is greatest if it carried out at a workshop with the stakeholders, giving the opportunity to establish a shared view of the situation.
Introduction
A properly planned project is addressing the real needs of the beneficiaries and is therefore based upon a correct and complete analysis of the existing situation. The existing situation should be interpreted according to the views, needs, interests and activities of parties concerned. It is essential that all those involved participants accept the plans and are committed to implement them. The problem tree analysis belongs to the family of participatory planning techniques, in which all parties involved identify and analyse the needs together, creating ownership and commitment among the involved parties (e.g. beneficiaries, implementing organisations, local governments).
The problem tree, together with the strategies, is a methodology of three steps for identifying main problems, along with their causes and effects, helping project planners to formulate clear and manageable objectives and the strategies of how to achieve them.
Step 1: Problem Analysis
The problem analysis is the phase in which the negative aspects of a given situation are identified, establishing the cause and effect relationship between the observed problems. The problem analysis is of prime importance with regard to
References: CAMPBELL, K.L.I.; GARFORTH, C.; HEFFERNAN, C.; MORTON, J.; PATERSON, R.; RYMER, C. ; UPTON, M. (2006): The Problem Tree. Analysis of the causes and effects of problems. The Problem Tree. Analysis of the causes and effects of problems. URL [Accessed: 10.08.2010]. CONRADIN, K. (2007): Ecological Sanitation in the Khuvsgul Area, Northern Mongolia: Socio-Cultural Parameters and Acceptance. Unpublished Master Thesis. Basel: University of Basel. URL [Accessed: 19.01.2011]. PDF EUROPEAN COMMISSION (Editor) (2004): Aid Delivery Methods, Project Cycle Management Guidelines . Brussels: European Commission - EuropeAid Cooperation Office. URL [Accessed: 07.08.2010]. PDF FOODGRAINS BANK (Editor) (n.y.): The Problem Tree. Winnipeg: Canadian Foodgrains Bank. URL [Accessed: 10.08.2010]. PDF MDF (Editor) (2005): MDF Tool: Problem Tree Analysis. Ede: MDF Training and Consultancy. URL [Accessed: 10.08.2010]. PDF ODI (Editor) (2009): Problem Tree Analysis. Successful Communication: Planning Tools. London: Overseas Development Institute. URL [Accessed: 10.08.2010].