Review of the use of theory of change in international development

This review identifies areas of consensus, debate and innovation around the use of theory of change in order to inform a more consistent approach within the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID).

‘Theory of change’ is an outcomes-based approach which applies critical thinking to the design, implementation and evaluation of initiatives and programmes intended to support change in their contexts. It is being increasingly used in international development by a wide range of governmental, bilateral and multi-lateral development agencies, civil society organisations, international non-governmental organisations and research programmes intended to support development outcomes.

The key messages from the review are:

- Theory of change requires both logical thinking and deeper critical reflection

- Consensus exists on the basic elements of theory of change

- Theory of change is best kept flexible, not prescribed

- Theory of change inspires and supports innovation and improvement in programmes

- Working with theory of change requires performance management approaches to accommodate uncertainty and flexibility.