Tool 18: Tree Diagram When to use Purpose Time Resources Stages 3 & 4 A multi-purpose visual tool that can be used for understanding issues and priorities and developing outcomes and strategies Various Paper, markers, sticky notes, white-board markers Information is organized into a tree-like diagram. The main issue is represented by the tree’s trunk and the relevant factors, influences and outcomes will show up as systems of roots and branches. In a project context, tree diagrams can be used to guide design and evaluation systems. It can be used by an individual or a group. As a community participation exercise, tree diagrams can help people to uncover and analyse the underlying causes of a particular problem or to rank and measure objectives in relation to one another. In the agency context, less elaborate “trees” are often made in the form of diagrams to illustrate a network of factors. Tree diagrams are often part of participatory planning methods, for example in stakeholder workshops. APF HRCLD Guide 87