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Logframe alternatives: an actor-oriented approach to planning, monitoring and evaluation

Current methodologies in planning, monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) of natural resources projects often emphasise short-term and quantifiable outputs. These make up important components of conventional log frames. Little serious attention is given to the effects of projects on the strengthening of sustainable local research and development (R&D) capabilities.

All research and development (R&D) projects have positive and negative effects on R&D capabilities in different parts of a natural resources R&D system. However, R&D agencies are often more concerned with ‘getting on with the work’, than giving adequate attention to sustainability once the project is completed.

How can such dimensions be brought into conventional project design? University of East Anglia research examined a project aimed at strengthening R&D capacities in natural resources system in Namibia. An ‘actor-oriented approach’ is presented that identifies the major actors, what influences the flow of information between them, how interventions can be planned, and how time bound indications can be drawn up to encourage and monitor changes in R&D capability.

Reviewing PM&E literature, the research focused on the experiences of governments and NGOs, and examined different methodologies for strengthening research capability. Five main areas of concern are the:

lack of systematic and useable methods for assessment of changes in research capability
need to broaden the focus of assessment of research capability to ensure full inclusion of all actors involved
failure to address the political dimensions of planning and evaluation activities
lack of integration of PM&E methods within R&D practice
challenge to develop methods that facilitate flexibility and learning.

To address these issues, the ‘actor-oriented’ approach concentrates on the human dimensions of R&D: the role of actors, analysis of information links and of the social power relationships between them. How and why information is used or not used for different purposes is addressed.

Two techniques were developed: the actor linkage matrix (ALM) and the determinants diagram. The ALM is a simple matrix with the major actors listed along the top and the same actors down the side. The cells represent the flows of information between actors. The diagonal represents the flow of information within an actor group. The determinants diagram is a simple framework, enabling systematic examination of the various factors influencing the flow of information in one or several cells.

In terms of policy, an actor-oriented approach:

helps focus projects on the behaviour of actors and stakeholders
helps ensure sustainable R&D capability issues are addressed in project cycle activities
provides a framework for R&D capability concerns to be included in conventional log frames and appropriate time bound indicators to be developed.
would help make planning more systematic and transparent
opens up more ways forward and makes clear assumptions and rationales for different types of interventions
gives rise to indicators for learning and re-planning purposes and for more formal review activities.

Source(s):
‘An Actor Oriented Approach for Strengthening Research and Development Capabilities in Natural Resources Systems’ Public Administration and Development, Volume 19 by S. Biggs, S. and H. Matsaert (1999)
‘An Actor Oriented Approach to Micro and Small Enterprise Development: A Namibian Case Study’, Chapter 19 by S. Biggs and F. Matsaert (2000) in ‘New Roles and Relevance: Development NGOs and the Challenge of Change’ Bloomfield, USA: Kumarian Press edited by D. Lewis and T. Wallace (2001)
‘Socio-economic Methodologies: Best Practice Guidelines for Institutional Analysis’, Chatham: Natural Resources Institute by H. Matsaert (2001 - forthcoming)

Funded by: UK Higher Education Funding Council

id21 Research Highlight: 18 September 2001

Further Information:
Stephen Biggs
School of Development Studies
University of East Anglia
Norwich NR4 7TJ
UK

Tel: +44 (0)1603 592807/592807
Fax: + 44 (0) 1603 505262
Contact the contributor: s.biggs@uea.ac.uk

School of Development Studies, UEA, UK

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