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MEAS Participatory Methods Tip Sheet Problem Tree Analysis

Problem Tree Analysis is a tool for community groups to identify root causes of problems and determine effective interventions. The method involves drawing a tree with root causes at the bottom and consequences at the top, then discussing how an organization's activities address root causes.

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25 views

MEAS Participatory Methods Tip Sheet Problem Tree Analysis

Problem Tree Analysis is a tool for community groups to identify root causes of problems and determine effective interventions. The method involves drawing a tree with root causes at the bottom and consequences at the top, then discussing how an organization's activities address root causes.

Uploaded by

Muhammed
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Participatory Problem Tree Analysis

Methods and
Tools
for Extension

Problem Tree Analysis is simple yet effective tool for community groups to
use to properly identify problems and determine what the most effective
interventions are. This method is used by groups to determine the extent to
which an organization’s program activities address the root causes of the
problems it seeks to alleviate and to verify that these programs can achieve
the desired impact.

Who should be involved?


 The participants should consist of participants of the target group.
 The facilitator should present and explain to the participants the
nature of the analogy. Pointing out what the different parts of the
trees are and what each represents.

Steps to take when using Problem Tree Analysis:


Elements of a Problem Tree
1) Draw a tree Ask participants to list the root causes of the problem on
Roots –the root causes of the a card. Tape the cards to the roots of the problem tree.
problem 2) Ask the participants to name the consequences of the problem write
these responses on cards and tape them to the ‘branches’ of the
problem tree.
Trunk – the problem
3) The participants should then briefly discuss to what extent the
organization’s activities address the root causes. It’s very important
Branches – the consequences there is a distinction made
of the problem between a root cause and a
consequence.
4) Repeat the process with other
problems once participants
A Problem Tree can synthesize demonstrate that they understand
information and give it meaning the process, they can split up into
pairs or small groups to work on
by use of an analogy. The different problem trees.
objective of this approach is to 5) Display the Problem Trees and ask
analyze the root causes of an the participants to take a “walk
issue facing a community and to through the forest.” Group
members can briefly present their
ensure the solution addresses trees to one another.
the root cause.
Image: http://www.comminit.com/?q=early child/node/201228

Designed to Major Source: World Neighbors (2000). World


Neighbors Field Guide: From the Roots Up, World
be Shared Neighbors Inc. 4127 N.W. 122nd St. Oklahoma City,
OK 73120-8869
License: Prepared by Oliver Ferguson and Kathryn Heinz,
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported July 2014
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Available at www.meas-extension.org/tip-sheets

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