DESIGNING PROJECTS IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD

BOX I
Use of term ‘Pathways’ in Theory of Change, and Options and Pathways components
In RAPTA, we use the term “impact pathways”
for Theory of Change. We use “pathways” when
referring to the adaptive implementation pathways
described in the “Options and Pathways”
component.
The impact pathways and (adaptive) implementation
pathways both seek to achieve the project’s
impacts and goals. However, the terms are not
completely interchangeable. Figure 9 illustrates:
Impact pathways (used in Theory of Change)
(shown in blue in Figure 9) are:
• developed as an explicit description of the mechanisms
by which an intervention will bring about,
or contribute to desired impacts and goals (see
Resource Links)
• underpinned by a complex set of assumptions
and tacit knowledge which should be (but rarely
are), captured and tested
• usually expressed in terms of a set of linked Activities,
Outputs and Outcomes with respect to
a funded project. These Activities, Outputs and
Outcomes can be arranged into a logical framework
(“log frame”) for the project
• used for project planning, and often for post-hoc
evaluation of project impact and benefit–cost.
Implementation pathways (used in Options and
Pathways) (shown in purple in Figure 9):
• are developed to express the decisions and actions
which form an intervention by specific actors
(see Resource Links in Options and Pathways)
• can range from
• simple linear decisions and actions to achieve
the impacts and goals (e.g. changing fertilizer,
variety and timing of sowing within a particular
farming system to adapt to increased salinity
or climate conditions) within the time frame of
a funded project, through to
• sets of linked, prioritized and sequenced
actions and decisions, with decision triggers
and thresholds that guide the timing. These
usually extend beyond the life of a funded
project. If they are “adaptive” pathways, then
they also have active learning and revision of
the pathways built into them.
• are outputs. Outcomes (grey in Figure 9) are important
in terms of planning the implementation
pathways but are generally not expressed as part
of the implementation pathway.
The impact pathways (blue) and implementation
pathways (light and dark purple) are all
constructed with reference to long-term desired
impacts and goals. They are expressed differently,
and should inform each other throughout the life
of the project.
time
Figure 9 How impact pathways compare to implementation pathways
54 RAPTA guidelines for project design