Step Three: Developing & Implementing an Intervention

When we start to identify problems in communities, we can sometimes become overwhelmed with the extend of health and social problems. But within these problems are opportunities to apply systems thinking and draw on a multitude of resources. It is important to prioritise key concerns and look at acceptable and appropriate responses to these problems.

Look at the list of issues you have identified in Step Two. Choose one key problem that you feel needs to be addressed as a matter of priority and answer these questions:

$1)$ How would you characterise your identified problem in the community you have described? Are there specific aspects within this community that are unique to this problem?

$2)$ Can you think of a simple intervention that can be applied within resource limitations to address your identified problem?

a$.$ It is helpful to search the internet to see what kinds of interventions have already been done. What can you learn from these?

b$.$ Any intervention needs the buy$-$in from the community you are affecting $$ how will you go about getting people involved?

$$

Step Four: Monitoring & Evaluating $($M&E$)$ an Intervention

Any intervention needs to be assessed to see if it is making a difference. To do this, you need baseline information regarding the extent of the problem. You also need a plan to check that the intervention is unfolding accordingly $($in terms of resources, impact, outcomes etc.$).$ Monitoring an intervention involves checking things are working while the intervention is under way and making adjustments as needed. Evaluating an intervention involves measuring the end result of the project to see if targets were met. Both of these processes require you to report back on the progress of the intervention.

An important part of M&E is involving key stakeholders, including members of the community and people who are the intended recipients of the intervention. Think about this question:

$1)$ How would you involve the community in developing an M&E plan for your suggested intervention?