What is a theory of change?

“A conceptual map showing how programme or project teams think they can get from where things are to their desired end”

Fletcher Tembo, 2012: ODI Working Paper 343

The change we’re seeking:

Citizens effectively express their views and interests and hold governments to account for their actions at different levels in the governmental system

The theory of change has three key participants:

• Citizens – the “wananchi”, or ordinary people which the programme is named for
• Interlocutors – journalists, civil society organisations and elected representatives, who are able to ‘broker’ citizens’ views and wishes in the policy process and form a link between governments and Wananchi.
• The State

How we get there:

Increase ability of civil society, media, elected representatives and traditional leaders to enable citizens to effectively express their views and hold governments to account for their actions, by:

• Sharpening roles of civil society, media, elected representatives (MPs and councilors) and traditional leaders  - so they are better able to plan their influence
• Strengthening partnerships between interlocutors for comparative advantage synergies among these interlocutors through constructive dialogue
• Increasing the use of research-based evidence to influence effectively government policies and engage citizens