This Guidance Note describes the Theory of Change approach and explains why it is a good fit for climate change adaptation programming. It highlights its differences with the more familiar logic model / logical framework (‘logframe’) approaches – and also shows how they can be used together.

It goes on to guide the reader through the steps of a hypothetical ToC exercise, and then comments on how to avoid the disadvantages and pitfalls that can occur when applying this model. It concludes by highlighting a ‘real world’ example of how one agency has used ToC to enhance its work.

Related

Twelve reasons why climate change adaptation M&E is challenging
Authors: Bours, D., McGinn, C. & Pringle, P.
Publication date: 2013

The complexities inherent in climate change adaptation (CCA) programming call for a nuanced approach to M&E research. This is not, however, always being realised in practice. CCA poses a range of thorny challenges for evaluators.

Selecting indicators for climate change adaptation programming
Authors: Bours, D., McGinn, C. & Pringle, P. (for SEA Change CoP, UKCIP)
Publication date: 2014

Contributing to the debate on how to deal with the complexities of climate change adaptation (CCA) as evaluators, this second guidance note poses the question: how does one go about choosing appropriate indicators?

Monitoring & evaluation for climate change adaptation: A synthesis of tools, frameworks and approaches
Authors: Bours, D., McGinn, C. & Pringle, P. (for SEA Change CoP, UKCIP)
Publication date: 2013

This report represents a synthesis and summary of frameworks for the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of climate change adaptation (CCA) interventions, with a specific focus on international development projects and programs.