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The LogFrame method is an instrument employed by analysts, planners and managers for:

• problem analysis,
• objective formulation,
• planning,
• implementation,
• monitoring and evaluation

of selected, objective-oriented interventions that aim at a change of reality from a situation which is perceived as negative towards a positive situation.

Because of its general logic, the LogFrame method can be applied to any type of objective oriented tasks, irrespective of the nature, level of aggregation or complexity of the problem to be solved. Though originally developed as a method for project planning and management, the method and its methodological principles can analogously be applied to analysis, planning and management of programmes and policies.

The planning matrix is the main (physical) output of the LogFrame analysis and planning exercise. It presents, in a concise form, identified objectives, their interrelations within an objective hierarchy (lower level objectives as means to achieve higher level objectives as results) and the related interventions to achieve them. The matrix also identifies responsibilities, the necessary resources for and specific indicators of objective achievement, as well as critical assumptions on important conditions and risks for objective achievement.

For the purposes of planning and implementation of MPI, the LogFrame method and its methodological principles can be applied to:

• Review and analysis of the policy to be monitored (step 2 of MPI). On the basis of available documentation and other evidence, the policy is examined for compliance with strict "means-to end" logic and other criteria such as relevance / significance, effectiveness, feasibility, adequacy, consistency, coherence, between major policy components, i.e. its objectives, strategy, measures of intervention, assumptions, implementation agents, stakeholders, resources and the underlying schedule.
• Develop an impact model for MPI (step 3 of MPI).
• Identify impact indicators (step 4 of MPI).

The LogFrame method can also be applied to the planning and management of MPI itself.

Find out more:

• Monitoring Policy Impacts (MPI). The Role of MPI in Policy Formulation and Implementation. EASYPol Series 056
• Monitoring Policy Impacts (MPI). The Eight Methodo-"logical" Steps for MPI. EASYPol Series 057
• Monitoring Policy Impacts (MPI). Setting up and Organizing MPI. EASYPol Series 059

This paper is part of the FAO Policy series: EASYPol-Resources for policy making (in agriculture, rural development and food security). You can find other EASYPol series' resources in the Resources section of this website, typing "EASYPol" in the free text search.