Why you should aim for system change, also when you โonlyโ work in the communities in your region.
By Tony Joy
At Durian, our Theory of Change is that:
๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐; w๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐.
A Theory of Change explains how and why a desired change is expected to happen. A Theory of Change also helps you identify what needs to be in place for your goal to happen. These are called assumptions or preconditions. This framework ensures that every activity you implement is aligned with the bigger picture. Without it, we risk working hard but not necessarily making meaningful progress.
Because I work within the realm of Nigeriaโs rural communities, that does not mean my insights and impact stays within these boundaries. Rather the contrary, by making my way of changing communities explicit, I envision to unlock rural transformation around the globe.
Thatโs why Iโm sharing 4 powerful elements of my way of revolutionising rural life with you, community change makers, in this blog.ย
Letโs start with the problem.
๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ ๐๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฌ: ๐ ๐ข๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ญ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐
The Problem Tree Analysis helps us break down complex problems in communities to uncover their real causes.
Itโs a visual tool that allows us to see how challenges are interconnected rather than isolated.
It has three parts:
๐ฑ The roots- the underlying causes of the problem
๐ณ The trunk- the core problem itself
๐ The branches- the visible effects or symptoms
This approach prevents us from treating symptoms while leaving the causes untouched.
For example, instead of saying โfarmers are poor,โ a problem tree might reveal deeper causes such as lack of land rights, poor storage systems, or unfair market structures.
By understanding the root causes, we can design interventions that create long-term solutions, not temporary relief.
๐ญ Think about it- Are you solving the problem itself or just managing its symptoms?
Logical Framework (Logframe) – Turning Vision into Measurable Action
The Logical Framework, often called a Logframe, is a structured tool for planning, managing, and measuring your community project.
It organizes your work into clear, connected levels that show how each action leads to impact.
Hereโs how it works:
๐ฏ Goal – the long-term change you want to see
๐ฏ Objectives – the pathways to achieving that goal through the project
๐ Outcome – what will happen as a result of your project
๐ฆ Output – the tangible results of your activities
๐ ๏ธ Activities – what you actually do day-to-day
The Logframe brings clarity, structure, and accountability.
It connects every task to a measurable result, helping both teams and donors understand the logic behind the project.
When used correctly, it transforms good ideas into well-structured, trackable actions.
๐ญ If you placed your project in a Logframe today, would the path from activity to impact be clear?
Results Chain: Connecting Resources to Results
The Results Chain helps us visualize how our resources lead to meaningful change.
It shows the logical flow from:
๐ก Inputs (resources) โ โ๏ธ Activities โ ๐ฆ Outputs โ ๐ Outcomes โ ๐ Impact
This chain encourages us to ask critical questions:
Are our activities producing the expected outputs?
Are these outputs leading to real outcomes?
Is the impact aligned with our original goal?
In community development, understanding the Results Chain ensures that every action contributes meaningfully to long-term change.
Itโs a reminder that success isnโt random โ itโs a sequence of deliberate, connected steps. Steps taken with or by community members
๐ญ Can you clearly trace the link between what you invest and the change you aim to achieve?
Stay tuned, thereโs more to come!