The Logical Framework Approach (LFA) is a project design methodology originally developed in the 1970s to help funding agencies assess the success of development projects. While it faced criticism for being inflexible, it is still widely used, emphasizing the importance of a structured planning process that includes steps such as situation analysis and stakeholder analysis before reaching the logframe matrix. Pacific Research & Evaluation Associates offers training on the LFA to enhance project planning effectiveness.

1. Introduction to the Logical
Framework Approach
Pacific Research & Evaluation Associates
www.prea.com.au

2. FIRST, A BIT OF HISTORY
Once upon a time, there was a lot of development
money being invested into projects.
Funding agencies were having a hard time assessing
whether projects were successful or not, and
whether the money was wisely invested.
The reason was that projects were not clear in their
objectives, and what ‘success’ would look like.
So a new project planning tool was sought……

3. History -2
The Logical Framework Approach (LFA) dates back to
the early 1970s, when USAID spearheaded its use.
Its popularity rose over time, with many
international development agencies advocating its
use in grant application.
Its popularity dropped in recent times with some
agencies for a number of reasons, such as
perceptions that the LFA is inflexible, and that its
linear model (the logframe) does not represent the
complex nature of development issues.

4. History -3
However, the LFA remains in use with many funding
agencies.
The critique of the LFA should not dissuade you to
use it. Rather, it is a reminder that any tool can be
useful, or not, depending on how it is put to use.
When used properly, it remains a robust project
design and planning tool. Like all tools, it requires
good training for it to be put to good use.

5. That was
the past…
now for
the
present….
LOGICAL FRAMEWORK APPROACH

6. What is the Logical Framework
Approach?
The Logical Framework Approach (LFA) is a project
design process based on participation, critical
analysis, strategic thinking, and logic.
The LFA is made up of a sequence of steps. Each step
builds on the previous one, and taken as a whole, it
provides a robust project design methodology.
It is important to distinguish the LFA from the
logframe matrix.

7. 1. Situation analysis
2. Stakeholder analysis
3. Problem analysis
4. Solution analysis
5. Strategy analysis
6. Logframe matrix
7. Timeline
8. Budget
Steps of the LFA
LFA

8. What is the logframe matrix?
The logframe matrix (LFM) is one of the main steps,
and outputs of the LFA.
The logframe matrix documents the project’s goal,
purpose, outputs and activities, the assumptions and
the relationships between all these items.
It also documents the indicators that will help
measure the success of the project and where the
information will come from (the foundation of a
monitoring and evaluation plan!)

9. Logframe matrix
The matrix can be thought of as a roadmap, or
itinerary- documenting where you want to go, and
how you will get there.

10. TIP – Don’t jump
straight to the logframe

11. Many people tend to jump straight to the logframe
matrix, as this is often what the funding agency
wants to see.
But remember the old saying: “rubbish in, rubbish
out”.
A solid, useful logframe is built on strong foundations
offered by the preceding steps. Jumping straight to
the logframe may result in a flimsy design that will
not lead to successful projects. And if that is the
case, don’t blame the logframe!
TIP – Logframe matrix

12. Interested in learning about the
LFA?
Pacific Research & Evaluation Associates deliver
training on the LFA in Australia, across the Pacific,
and beyond.
PREA’s training is participatory, interactive, and fun
(visit the website for testimonials).
PREA can customise training to meet your project
planning needs.
Visit www.prea.com.au to find out more about PREA,
and for contact details.