Problem analysis
Project Cycle Management
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A short training course in project cycle management for
subdivisions of MFAR in Sri Lanka
MFAR, ICEIDA and UNU-FTP
Ministry of Fisheries and
Aquatic Resources (DFAR)
Icelandic International
Development Agency (ICEIDA)
United Nations University Fisheries
Training Programme (UNU-FTP)
Sri Lanka
Iceland
Iceland
Content
• Problem analysis
• How to build a problem tree
• A problem tree for post harvest losses
Learning objectives
• The participants will be able to understand the
use of, and apply one of the central tools of, the
logical framework approach
Problem analysis
• A project is meant to help to solve an undesired
situation
• Analysing problems therefore means to analyse
an existing situation
• During problem analysis the negative aspects of
an existing situation are analysed
• Key problems are identified and the causal
relationship between them highlighted
A problem tree
• A hierarchy of causes and effects is being
established between the problems identified
• Problems which are directly causing the starter
problem are placed below it
• Problems which are direct effects of the starter
problem are positioned above it
• Problems that are neither a cause nor an effect
are positioned at the same level as the starter
problem
Structure of a problem tree
showing causes and effects
Small example of a problem tree
How to build a problem tree
Problem analysis for
post harvest losses
Select focal problem
Develop the problem tree
• Identify immediate and direct causes of the
focal problem
• Identify immediate and direct effects of the focal
problem
Construct a problem tree showing
the cause and effect relationship
between the problems
Problem tree
• Causes and effects are developed further along
the same principle to form the problem tree
• Review the problem tree, verify its’ validity and
completeness and make any necessary
adjustments
Reference
• European Commission (2004). Project Cycle
Management Guidelines. Downloaded 1st March from:
http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/qsm/documents/pcm_man
ual_2004_en.pdf