Introduction

The Logical Framework Approach (LFA) is an analytical process and set of tools
used to support project planning and management. According to the World Bank
(2000), the Logical Framework has the power to communicate the essential
elements of a complex project clearly throughout the project cycle. It is used to
develop the overall design of a project, to improve the project implementation
monitoring and to strengthen periodic project evaluation. It provides a set of
interlocking concepts which are used as part of an iterative process to aid
structured and systematic analysis of a project or programmed idea (EUROPEAN
COMMISSION 2004).
Goal
• A project goal is a very general, high-level and long-term objective of
the project. It is different from project objectives because the latter
are very specific and have to be addressed alone by the project. But
the goal cannot be achieved by the project on its own since there will
be other forces like the Government, other agencies also working to
achieve it. It is a major benchmark to compare work between
different projects. For example to contribute to improved family
health and the general health of the rive ecosystem.
Objectives
• Objectives are the specific objectives the project works to achieve
within the stipulated time. To improve family health and the general
health of the rive ecosystem is an example of objectives.
Outputs
• Outputs are immediate results that we achieve soon after the
completion the project or any specific project activity. For example
reduced volume of wastewater directly discharged into the river
system by households and factories
Activities
• Activities or inputs are actions undertaken by the project or the
organization to achieve the set objectives. Statements should be brief
and with an emphasis on action words for example complete
engineering specifications for expanded sewerage network.
indicators
• Indicators are a measure of the result. They give a sense of what has
been or what is to be achieved
Means of verification
• These are tangible entities that provide needed information where OVIs
are to be found. They help to provide evidence of the existence of OVIs.
How to identify MOVs:
• • Decide sources of verification are needed to obtain the information
on OVIs
• • Identify which sources are to be collected, processed and kept within
the project
• • Check sources outside the project to ensure that; their
form/presentation is appropriate they are specific enough; they are
reliable; they are accessible the cost of obtaining the information is
reasonable.
Assumptions
• Assumptions are external factors that have the potential to influence
or even determine the success of a project, but lie outside the direct
control of project managers. Assumptions are usually progressively
identified during the analysis phase. The analysis of stakeholders,
problems, objectives and strategies will have highlighted a number of
issues that will impact on the project environment, but over which
the project may have no direct control. In the case of the river water
pollution example, important assumptions might include issues
related to rainfall and river flow beyond the project’s control, but
potentially critical in terms of changes in levels or concentration of
pollutants found in the river.
Means and costs
• These are physical and non-physical inputs that facilitate
implementation of a project. They also include human resources and
virtual aspects such as opportunity, demand and access. For example
calculate the cost of resources established and shared among the
financing partners and prepare the total budget.