Now we've seen some of the causal pathways of inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes and impact. But we also talked about assumptions. So let's introduce that briefly here.

Think about a project that you've been involved in firstly. Can you identify any assumptions or preconditions that were made during the planning of that project? And how does recognizing and addressing assumptions influence project outcomes? Pause for a moment and think about this question before moving on.

So we have a community health education project and an assumption has been made that all community members have access to smartphones and the internet. This means they'll be able to access online health resources and educational materials. However, we need to test whether that assumption is true. And if it's not true, then we're going to need to respond to that in our theory of change.

So what are the benefits of recognizing, investigating, assessing, and addressing assumptions?

In this case of the Community Health Intervention Project, firstly, we identified the issue of access barriers. We realized that this assumption creates a potential access barrier for community members who do not have smartphones or internet connectivity. So that means the project team can explore alternative communication channels, such as community meetings, radio broadcasts, or printed materials. This will ensure equitable access to health, education and resources.

Addressing this assumption contributes to more inclusive engagement. It means the project activities are inclusive and accessible to all community members, including those with limited technological resources or skills. If we involve community members in that planning process and get and preferences, the project becomes more effective in reaching its target audience. They are more likely to engage with and benefit from health education when it is accessible and relevant to their circumstances.

Recognizing and addressing this assumption about access also ensures improved sustainability. It fosters trust and increased buy-in from the community. We are demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and responsiveness and this builds stronger relationships with the community and it lays the groundwork for long-term engagement and support.

So when we recognize and address assumptions or preconditions in the project planning, this helps project teams to design interventions that are more inclusive, more effective and more sustainable.