Background

Diagrams provide a universal language based on logical structures and relationships. Diagram tools have a key role to play at many different stages and levels of impact assessment. They have the potential to considerably increase the usefulness and reliability of information and contribution to empowerment and capacity-building.

The six diagram tools can be applied at all levels of impact assessment:

• Grassroots learning - diagrams allow people with low levels of literacy to contribute to discussions and have their ideas documented in a way which they can also understand.
• Program level and researchers - diagrams provide a useful shorthand for thinking through and documenting complex ideas which are difficult to capture in conventional note taking.
• Policy makers - diagrams provide an effective means of representing and communicating findings of research and assessment and focus for discussion of policy responses.
  

Each tool describes, with illustrations, the particular diagram, appropriate applications of that diagram, and how to use in practice.

Guide to tools

				Overview of diagram types and general guidelines for addressing issues of analysis, quantification, participation and documentation. Practical suggestions on ways of using the different diagram tools for enterprise development impact assessment at different levels.
				Diagram Tool 1: Webs, Networks and Flow Diagrams - variants of diagrams which examine interrelationships elements.
				Diagram Tool 2: Trees - a simplified type of network useful for bringing together information about peoples’ visions, problems and livelihoods and different possible solutions.
				Diagram Tool 3: Road Journeys - very useful for bringing together information about peoples’ perceptions or actual experience of change and development interventions.
				Diagram Tool 4: Diamonds - to investigate extent and criteria of social differentiation within communities and/or groups.
				Diagram Tool 5: Venn Diagrams - show the relationships between different elements or institutions represented as overlapping circles of different sizes and forms.
				Diagram Tool 6: Maps - show the geographical locations, topographical or conceptual relationships between things like households, resources, markets.

These tools have been developed by Linda Mayoux, a consultant at WISE Development Ltd, for the Enterprise Development Impact Assessment Information Service Tool Box (see LC web guide to EDIAIS)

Feedback:

Feedback on Livelihoods Connect, the above material, contributions and suggestions are welcome by email to:
livelihoods-connect@ids.ac.uk