Problem and

Solution Trees!
Problem and
Solution Trees!
Objectives:
• Learn to use Problem and Solution trees to identify and address
community issues
• Become active global citizens and change-makers in our own
community!
Problem and
Solution Trees!
Problem and Solution Trees are similar to mind maps.
These tools are used by community organizations to understand
community problems, and develop solutions.
We will use Problem and Solution Trees to become active global
citizens, planning actions to make change!
Why is it called a ‘Problem Tree’?

From Tools for Development: http://www.tools4dev.org/resources/how-to-design-a-new-program/

Who is
Wangari Mathaai?
Wangari Maathai was the founder of the Green Belt
Movement and the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize
Laureate. Wangari Muta Maathai was born in Nyeri, a rural
area of Kenya (Africa), in 1940. She was an environmental
activist who won many international awards.
Unfortunately, Professor Maathai died on 25 September
2011 at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer.

http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/wangari-
maathai/biography
Model the Method:

Let’s Read!
Wangari’s
Trees of Peace
By Jeanette Winter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK1NndEf6f0
Effect What negative effects did this
problem have?
- No firewood close to home
- Harmed the environment

What was the main problem that

Problem Wangari Maathi saw in her community?
-Deforestation

What were the ‘root causes’ of

this problem?
Causes -Women cutting down trees No
source of heating
-Developers constructing buildings
 Effect Impact
-Harmed the environment -Improve the environment
-No firewood close to home -Firewood close to home

Problem Outcome
The community has no The community has
tress trees!

Cause Output
-Women cut down trees Women stop
Women trained to
-Developers cut down trees developers from
plant trees
cutting trees
Making Wangari’s project statement

Output Outcome Impact

If…. Then… So that…
Women are trained The community will The environment will
to plant trees have trees be improved
 Evaluating Wangari’s Success

If Wangari trains the community will and the environment

women to plant have trees…. will be improved!
trees….

How did she know her project was successful?

Find evidence!
She counted the # of She counted the # of trees She evaluated the health of
women trained: planted: the soil
‘Army of women’ all over 30 Million trees where there were The land is no longer barren. Sweet
Africa plant trees none! potatoes, sugar cane and maize
grow again
Now you can plant
your own tree of
peace by solving a
problem in your
own community!
 What negative effects does this
Effect problem have?

What problem do you see in your

Problem community?

What are the ‘root causes’ of

Causes this problem?

How can I solve this problem? Knowing how much time, money, or other constraints you
may have, which ‘root cause’ of the problem can you address? Circle it! Now make the
solution tree!
 What long term impact will this
Impact project have?

What overall outcome, or

Outcome result, will your project
achieve?

What main output, or activity, will

Output you do to achieve your project
outcome?

How will I know I have achieved my goal? After making your project statement, it is
important to plan how you will measure your project’s success.
Making a project statement

Output Outcome Impact

If…. Then… So that…
Evaluating Your Success
How will you know your solution successfully made an impact?
What will you measure, or what evidence can you look for?

Output Outcome Impact

I will measure... I will measure… I will measure…

Dirt! The Movie
I will be a
Hummingbird
By Wangari Maathi
http://www.dirtthemovie.org/videos/
Self-Evaluation
How have you applied the following competencies in your own work?

• Managing Information:
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving:
• Communication
• Personal Growth and Well-being:
• Creativity and Innovation:
• Collaboration:
• Cultural and Global Citizenship: