PROBLEM ANALYSIS

Contents
I. Basics on problem analysis
II. Problem formulation
III. The cause – effect relation between problems
IV. The problem tree
V. Steps in the problem analysis
PCM Manual pages 37 – 38
A couple of questions

? What are the problem(s) we are

supposed to solve with this project?

? Why are they there?

 BASICS ON PROBLEM ANALYSIS
To find out what the real, priority problems
are, and why they are there

Cause - effect relations

Problem formulation
between problems
PROBLEM FORMULATION
Defining the priority problem during
project design
• This problem is what the project aims to
address  solve
• The priority problem needs to be clearly
formulated and defined
• The priority problem may not be clear from
the beginning, but develop during analysis

 A problem is
• Not the absence of a solution,
• But an existing negative situation
 “The negative aspect of an existing
situation”
 When formulating problems, avoid the use
of “lack of”, which is not a negative
situation
 When formulating a problem:
• “No pesticides available” is wrong
• “Harvest is destroyed by pest” is correct
A problem is a “negative situation”, e.g.
• “Frequent bus accidents”
• “Buildings have no access to wheel chairs”
• “River water quality is deteriorating”
• “Indigenous forest are disappearing”
• “Waste is all around in the streets of city x”
• “High incidence of water-borne diseases among
children”
 Ensure to specify the problem in sufficient
detail - avoid general definitions.
• So that the true nature of the problem is
described
• Not “poor management”, but what in the
management is poor, e.g. “poor administrative
skills”, “inadequate financial control”

 Identify existing problems, not future ones

or imagined ones
THE CAUSE – EFFECT RELATION
BETWEEN PROBLEMS
Problem analysis establishes the “cause”
and “effect” relationship between
identified problems
Cause
• Reasons behind the focal problem(s)
• Gives the solution to a problem (=activities)

Effect
• Arguments for the change (=the project)
Complex problem easier to deal with if
“cause – effect” relations are properly
analysed:
• Causes may be divided into several groups of
sub-problems
• Problem analysis may end up in several
different projects
• Focus! Limitations and priorities must be set
for a project to be manageable

Problem analysis using a “problem tree”, a

robust but simplified version of reality
THE PROBLEM TREE
Is a tool to for the analysis of cause – effect
relations between problems
Visualises the problems and their
relationships in a diagram format – a
“hierarchy of problems”
Is a robust and simplified description of
reality
Steps in problem analysis using the
problem tree:
1. Identify one or two (initial) major problem(s)
affecting the target group(s).
2. Identify related problems/constraints.
3. Analyse and identify cause and effect
relationships and create a draft problem tree.
4. Check the logic.
 Using the problem tree in problem analysis…
Decreasing in-
The identified comes of coastal
focal problem fishermen and
woman
 Using the problem tree in problem analysis…
Decreasing in-
The identified comes of coastal
focal problem fishermen and
woman

The
Decreasing fish stocks
causes
 Using the problem tree in problem analysis…
Decreasing in-
The identified comes of coastal
focal problem fishermen and
woman

Low price received by

The
Decreasing fish stocks coastal fisher folk in
causes their villages
 Using the problem tree in problem analysis…
Decreasing in-
The identified comes of coastal
focal problem fishermen and
woman

Low price received by

The
Decreasing fish stocks coastal fisher folk in
causes their villages

Destruction of
habitats
 Using the problem tree in problem analysis…
Decreasing in-
The identified comes of coastal
focal problem fishermen and
woman

Low price received by

The
Decreasing fish stocks coastal fisher folk in
causes their villages

Destruction of Illegal fishing

habitats methods
applied
 Using the problem tree in problem analysis…
Decreasing in-
The identified comes of coastal
focal problem fishermen and
woman

Low price received by

The
Decreasing fish stocks coastal fisher folk in
causes their villages

Destruction of Illegal fishing Processed fish

habitats methods is of bad
applied quality
 Using the problem tree in problem analysis…
Decreasing in-
The identified comes of coastal
focal problem fishermen and
woman

Low price received by

The
Decreasing fish stocks coastal fisher folk in
causes their villages

Destruction of Illegal fishing Processed fish Limited access

habitats methods is of bad to markets
applied quality
 Using the problem tree in problem analysis…
Decreasing in-
The identified comes of coastal
focal problem – fishermen and
woman
“the effect”

Low price received by

The
Decreasing fish stocks coastal fisher folk in
causes their villages

Destruction of Illegal fishing Processed fish Limited access

habitats methods is of bad to markets
applied quality
 The effects of the
focal problem
What are
they?
The identified Decreasing in-
comes of coastal
focal problem –
fishermen and
“the cause” woman

Low price received by

The
Decreasing fish stocks coastal fisher folk in
causes their villages

Destruction of Illegal fishing Processed fish Limited access

habitats methods is of bad to markets
applied quality
 HOW TO CARRY OUT PROBLEM
ANALYSIS
Collect relevant background information. Ensure lessons learned
from previous similar projects are considered.

Identify key stakeholders and ensure the “right” people

participate.

Make sure the identified problems are priorities and real.

Prepare a problem tree which provides a simplified but robust

version of reality.

Document the methodology and the results of the problem

analysis.
Questions to be answered
? What is the main/focal problem that shall be
solved with the aid of this project?
o “Why is a change (the project) needed?”

? What are the causes of the problem?

o “Why does it exist?”

? What effect does the problem have?

o “Why is it important to solve the problem?”

? Who is affected by the problem? Who “owns

the problem
CONCLUSION
 Problem analysis includes following
important aspects
1) Identification of present, real, priority
problems
2) Proper formulation of the problem(s)
3) Establishment of cause – effect relations
between identified problems

 Spend time and effort on all aspects