Code No. 983

Outcome Mapping

Development and public-sector agencies seeking to assess and report on the outcomes of their programs face significant challenges that are inherent in the development process. Changes in the well-being of intended beneficiaries can occur before or after a program ends; they may not take the form anticipated; and they may be influenced by the actions of stakeholders who remain beyond the reach of the program. Development is highly complex and changes are not unidirectional. Outcomes interact with each other and the causes of change usually cannot be isolated. It is therefore very difficult for managers to attribute change to specific program components and to compare results across different sites or initiatives. This workshop outlines a methodology developed to assist program teams to learn from and report realistically on their achievements by tracking the connections between what they do and what happens. The methodology is called ‘outcome mapping’. 

Outcome mapping is a methodology for planning, monitoring and evaluating development initiatives that aim to bring about social change. The process of outcome mapping helps a project team or program to be specific about the actors it targets, the changes it expects to see and the strategies it employs. Results are measured in terms of the changes in behaviour, actions or relationships that can be influenced by the team or program. The methodology is comprised of several tools, which can be adapted to different contexts. It enhances team and program understanding of change
processes, improves the efficiency of achieving results and promotes realistic and accountable reporting.

The workshop will introduce participants to Outcome mapping and the following three stages and twelve steps involved Outcome Mapping.