NGO & Project Management Technology · Intermediate level

Intermediate level · Module 1: Theory of Change and Logical Frameworks · Lesson 3 of 3

Indicators and Means of Verification

Measure each level with indicators and reliable sources.

In this lesson you will

  • Write indicators for each level
  • Choose means of verification

Key concepts

indicator qualitybaselines and targetsdisaggregationmeans of verification

The lesson

Good indicators are specific, measurable and practical; set baselines and realistic targets.

Disaggregate by sex, age and location where relevant, to see who benefits.

Means of verification state where the data comes from: surveys, registers, observation checklists.

Step by step

  1. Write indicators for each level.
  2. Add baselines and targets.
  3. Plan disaggregation.
  4. Add means of verification.
Data and chart

Outcome indicators in a WASH logframe

Baselines and targets for a water, sanitation and hygiene project.

Percentages from the baseline survey and project targets (illustrative)
IndicatorBaseline (%)Target (%)Means of verification
Households treating drinking water3570Household survey
Water points functioning4090Water point checklist
People washing hands at key times2060Observation checklist
Children under 5 with diarrhoea in past 2 weeks2815Household survey
Baseline and target (%) Baseline (%): Households treating drinking water 35, Water points functioning 40, People washing hands at key times 20, Children under 5 with diarrhoea in past 2 weeks 28. Target (%): Households treating drinking water 70, Water points functioning 90, People washing hands at key times 60, Children under 5 with diarrhoea in past 2 weeks 15 022.54567.590Households …Water point…People wash…Children un…Baseline (%)Target (%)

What the data shows

Three indicators should rise and one — diarrhoea among young children — should fall; the chart makes the direction of each target clear.

Every indicator has a means of verification, so the team knows how and where the data will come from.

Recommendation

Disaggregate the survey indicators by sex of household head and location, and check the diarrhoea target against health facility records as a second source.

Practice activity

Complete the logframe indicators.

Expected result: Measurable indicators with sources.

Check your understanding

  1. Why disaggregate indicators?

    Show answer

    To see who benefits, by sex, age or location.

  2. What are means of verification?

    Show answer

    The sources of data for each indicator.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.