Can theories of change reflect the realities of international development?

Can a ‘Theory of Change’ really be an honest, accurate and transparent reflection of how a development intervention may lead to change? Theories of Change are often required by donors in international development. They commonly take the form of a document describing how and why an organisation’s programme will make a difference on the ground. Yet the very fact that Theories of Change are demanded may create certain tensions and pressures which contradict the purpose of using them. The grand narratives found within Theories of Change (along with other donor-facing documents) may act as ‘mobilising metaphors’, telling us more about how the relationship between aid donors and receiving organisations functions than how a programme operates and/or has wider impacts.