The document discusses the problem tree analysis method introduced in the ODI toolkit in 2005, highlighting its application by development agencies for identifying and addressing core problems, causes, and effects. It emphasizes the method's usefulness across different cultures and settings while acknowledging challenges in fully understanding all aspects of a problem. Additionally, it outlines essential life skills for problem-solving, self-management, and interpersonal relationships.

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6. Problem Tree first appeared in October 2005 in
the ODI Toolkit, Successful Communication, A Toolkit for
Researchers and Civil Society Organisations.
Development agencies such as DFID’s Tools for Development and CERTI’s
crisis and transition toolkit referenced to Problem Tree Analysis in their
toolkit.
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7. STEP 1: Identify and define the core
problem
STEP 2: Formulate the causes
STEP 4: Formulate the potential
effects
STEP 5: Identify the secondary effects
STEP 3: Identify the secondary
causes
STEP 6: Reflect
TRUNK
LEAVES AND
BRANCHES
ROOTS
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8. TEENAGE DROPOUT FROM SCHOOL
School is not
interesting
Parents do
not encourage
them
Need to find
employment to
support
family
Low future
income
More crime
Difficulty in
finding a job
High teenage
pregnancy rates
Drug abuse or
other substance
abuse
Parents do not
think school is
important
Parents are too
busy to discipline
them
Low family
income
More accident
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10. • The problem can be broken down into
manageable and definable chunks.
• Can be used across cultures in both rural
and urban settings.
• The actual causes of problem(s) can be
more effectively determined and
addressed.
• Present issues are dealt with and identified
• It may be difficult to understand all
effects and causes of a problem
right from the beginning
• The problem tree gives no indication
of the “magnitude” of the problem.
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12. Life Skills for Dealing with Issues and Problems
01
Problem Solving Skills
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Critical Thinking Skills
04
Creative Thinking
Skills
03
Decision Making Skills
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13. Life Skills for Self-Understanding and Management
06
Management of Emotions
05
Self-Awareness Building Skills
07
Coping with Stress
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14. Life Skills for Knowing and Living with Others
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Empathy
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Effective Communication Skills
10
Inter-personal Relationship
Skills
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