Problem Tree Analysis
|PROBLEM TREE ANALYSIS|
|A tool that helps to identify the negative aspects of an existing situation and establish the “cause and effect” relationships between the identified problems.
See also: Needs Assessment; Audience Analysis; Stakeholder Analysis; Focus Groups
|Developing a Problem Tree Analysis|
Step By Step
The problem tree should be developed as a participatory group activity. 6 to 8 people is often a good group size. It is important to ensure that groups are structured in ways that enable particular viewpoints, especially those of the less powerful, to be expressed.
The heart of the exercise is the discussion, debate and dialogue that is generated as factors are arranged and re-arranged, often forming sub-dividing roots and branches.
|Example of Problem Tree Analysis|
|Example of Problem Tree Analysis developed by Overseas Development Institute (ODI), analyzing the outbreak of cholera in Kingstown.|
|Below you have a list of selected web-sites where you can find additional information about Problem Tree Analysis.|
|MDF Tool: Problem Tree Analysis||Problem Tree Analysis explaned by MDF with a demonstration case|
|IDRC/Problem Tree||A chapter of the book SAS2: A Guide to Collaborative Inquiry and Social Engagement, available on the website of International Development Research Center, presenting the Problem Tree Process with an example of a demonstration case in India|
- European Commission, « Aid Delivery Methods : Volume 1 Project Cycle Management Guidelines », March 2004.
- Overseas Development Institute (ODI), www.odi.org.uk (22 October, 2009).
- European Commission, « Aid Delivery Methods : Volume 1 Project Cycle Management Guidelines », March 2004, NZAID Tools, “Logical Framework Approach”, nzaidtools.nzaid.govt.nz (22 October, 2009), and Overseas Development Institute (ODI), www.odi.org.uk (22 October, 2009)