Theory of Change

Authors: Wanjiku Kelbert, A.
Publication date: 2014

The first Learning and Inspiration Event hosted by Making All Voices Count brought together people with different kinds of expertise to think collaboratively about how technology can be used to enhance citizen engagement and improve government responsiveness. 

In this IDS blog post, Jody Aked reflects upon the misplaced assumption that communities are always receptive and eager to engage when development practitioners or researchers offer something they think the community will benefit from. To avoid a frustrating outcome, she suggests an alternative approach, including three ways on how to start a positive relationship with a community. 

Authors: PEER Associates
Publication date: 2013

In this evaluation case study of the Engendering Change program in Zimbabwe, the evaluation employed a case study approach, using the Most Significant Change (MSC) methodology to collect stories from the staff and their constituents. This report presents the evaluation methods and outcomes.

Authors: Booth, D. & Unsworth, S. 
Publication date: 2014

This paper is a contribution to ongoing debate about the need for donor agencies to think and work more politically. It presents seven cases of aid-funded interventions that show how donors have been able to facilitate developmental change ‘despite the odds’.

Authors: Richards, M. & Swan, S.
Publication date: 2014

This document presents a proposed methodology, and step-by-step guidance, for Participatory Subnational Planning (PSP), tailored to operationalise subnational REDD+ programmes. 

Author: Joshi, A.
Publication date: 2014 (Pre-submitted version of article for IDS Bulletin 45.5)

This paper focuses on the question of ‘context’ in social accountability initiatives by separating macro and micro contextual factors. The paper outlines the basic components of accountability and proposes a ‘causal chain’ strategy to better understand the micro-context.

Author: Valters, C.
Publication date: 2014

The Theory of Change approach is becoming a pervasive part of development practice: as an artefact, as a management tool, and increasingly as a common discourse which implementers use to explain and explore their interventions. In this blog post, Craig Valters introduces the 6 key findings of his research and paper: ‘Theories of Change in international development: communication, learning or accountability?’ 

This toolkit helps in developing a picture of the pathway from activities to intended outcomes. It provides step by step guidance to develop a Logic Model or Theory of Change. A separate section presents 11 examples. 

Author: Keystone
Publication date: 2008

The template should be used together with the IPAL Keystone guide: "Developing a Theory of Change". This tool explains the concepts behind the development of a theory of change for complex change processes.

Author: IPAL - Keystone
Publication date: 2009

This guide helps social purpose organizations to plan, monitor, evaluate and communicate their work in a way that makes practical sense of the complexity of social change processes and their measurement.