2.6 Outputs (i)
The outputs boxes answer the question: how are you going to achieve the project purpose?
This is one of the key stages in framework planning, for it is at this point that you really get down to examining the feasibility of the changes you want to bring about.
Activity 7
Remember how in the Introduction I conceptualised the link between outputs and purpose in terms of increased capacities leading to changes in behaviour of people and institutions.
Here you explore how this could be applied to a real project situation.
To focus in on the capacities required to achieve your project purpose, look at the purpose in more detail and see what changes in behaviour of the key actors are implied in the project: the Forestry Commission, the Volunteer Committee and the local community.
I've filled in two of the boxes for you. When you've filled in the remaining boxes, click on the link to see my remaining answers.
Answer
Clearly some major changes are going to be required to current roles, and these give some indication of the capacity building work that is required.
The Forestry Commission is going to have to 'give up' some power that it has over the future of the forest, and adapt to playing a supporting role.
The Volunteer Committee will be the body responsible for managing the forest, and this poses considerable challenges. The committee will need to acquire the necessary technical knowledge and managerial skills, as well as negotiating skills, in order to manage its relations with the Forestry Commission and other stakeholders.
The local community will need to learn more about the issues involved in forest management in order to be able to participate in the process. The Volunteer Committee will need communications and facilitation skills in order to motivate the community to participate.
I have identified some key capacities that project actors will need in order to achieve my project purpose.
However, before going on to formulating the outputs, it is important to think clearly about the boundaries of our project. What is the project going to do, and can it be left to other people and organisations?