The Logical Framework Approach (LFA) is a long established activity design methodologyused by a range of major multilateral and bilateral donors, including Australia. It is based on asystematic analysis of the development situation, particularly key development problems, andof the options for addressing those problems.It can be applied in a range of circumstances and to a range of types of aid activity. Althoughmainly used in the past for the well-established forms of AusAID activity, it can also be usedfor new forms of activity such as program support and macro-policy support.The LFA is an analytical, presentational and management tool which can help planners andmanagers•

analyse the existing situation during activity preparation•

establish a logical hierarchy of means by which objectives will be reached•

identify the potential risks to achieving the objectives, and to sustainable outcomes•

establish how outputs and outcomes might best be monitored and evaluated•

if desired, present a summary of the activity in a standard format, and•

monitor and review Activities during implementation.LFA can be used throughout AusAID's management of aid activities in•

identifying

and assessing activity options•

preparing

the activity design in a systematic and logical way•

appraising

activity designs•

implementing

approved Activities, and•

monitoring, reviewing and evaluating

activity progress and performance.LFA is best started early in activity design. (It is more difficult to use the LFA to reviewand/or restructure ongoing activities which were not designed using LFA principles andpractices). As LFA is an ‘aid to thinking’, it has widespread and flexible application.Activity planning and management should always be approached as a team task. This meansthat adequate opportunity should be given to colleagues and key stakeholders to provide inputto the process and product of LFA. This can be supported by