NGO & Project Management Technology · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 2: Proposal Writing and M&E Basics · Lesson 1 of 3

Problem Statements and SMART Objectives

Describe the problem clearly and set objectives you can measure.

In this lesson you will

  • Write an evidence-based problem statement
  • Write SMART objectives

Key concepts

problem statementevidenceSMARTgoal and objectives

The lesson

A problem statement describes who is affected, how, where and how many, with evidence.

SMART objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound: 'Increase the share of households treating drinking water from 35% to 70% in Kator by December'.

A goal is the broader change; objectives are what the project will achieve towards it.

Step by step

  1. Write a problem statement with evidence.
  2. Draft three objectives.
  3. Make each SMART.
  4. Peer-review.
Before and after

From vague aims to SMART objectives

The same hygiene project's objectives written two ways.

Before

Good intentions, but nothing to measure.

  • Improve hygiene in the community
  • Raise awareness about clean water
  • Empower women through water committees
  • Reduce disease

After

Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.

  • Increase households that treat drinking water from 35% to 70% in Kator by December 2027
  • Train 40 community hygiene promoters (at least half women) by March 2027
  • Establish 8 water committees with women in at least 50% of leadership roles by June 2027
  • Reduce reported diarrhoea among children under five in the past two weeks from 28% to 15% by December 2027

What changed and why

  1. Each objective names what changes, for whom, where, by how much and by when.
  2. Baselines (35%, 28%) come from the assessment, so targets are realistic.
  3. 'Raise awareness' became a practice that can be measured — treating water — rather than a feeling.

Practice activity

Write the problem statement and objectives for your project.

Expected result: Evidence-based, SMART objectives.

Check your understanding

  1. What does SMART stand for?

    Show answer

    Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound.

  2. What should a problem statement include?

    Show answer

    Who, how, where and how many, with evidence.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.