La Chaîne des Résultats et la Théorie du Changement pour améliorer le cadre conceptuel d’une évaluation d’impact

Abstract

Results Chain and Theory of Change to improve the conceptual framework of an impact assessment

Background: This article descri bes the African context where the fight against poverty is continuous and development projects do not always produce the expected positive impact on the living conditions and environment of the populations.

Objectives: The article aims to provide significant contribution to the extension and improvement of evaluation practice in Africa.

Method: Author started from his professional experience, and focused on the problems and challenges that seem to characterise practices in this area. He subsequently carried out a literature review not only to find explanations for the challenges identified during the first part of the investigation, but also, and above all, to come up with possible solutions to overcome these challenges so that development projects can produce their expected impact. This approach led the author to two theoretical tools: results chain and theory of change.

Results: The article show that these tools when usefully designed at the conceptual phase of the project or program, they can go a long way in mainstreaming the impact, leading to substantial adjustments during the implementation phase.

Conclusion: The article opens up a vast project for the implementation of strategic and innovative operational tools to make sure development projects and programs produce the expected impact in Africa.

Keywords: social sciences; management; projects; monitoring-evaluation, theory of change, results chain, project management, impact, result, effect.