Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation

One of the program components of CSRL is participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E). In 2007, the monitoring and evaluation activities concentrated on changes in crop and livestock enterprises, household food and nutrition security and farmer group performance. Data were collected from 338 households and 20 farmers groups in the program area, using questionnaire interviews and group discussion respectively. Data from these sources was supplemented with document reviews and discussions with VEDCO field staff in Kamuli .

CSRL Program Activities 2007: Monitoring and Evaluation

Objectives:
  1. Monitor program performance from baseline to current year of activities
  2. Obtain useful and timely information to facilitate modification of activities
  3. Serve as reference points for lessons learned to guide next 5 year program plan

Approach:
  1. PM&E activities on a continuous basis at various levels (group, parish, sub-county and district)
  2. Annual evaluation carried out during summer

Resources:
  • Primary — VEDCO's Monitoring and Evaluation Officers, Makerere University faculty (H. Sseguya)
  • Secondary — Center Director and ISU faculty

Activities:
  • 2005 — Hiring Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant, collecting baseline data using participatory approaches, training VEDCO staff on Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation
  • 2006 — PM&E activities carried out in project areas, first annual evaluation carried out
  • 2007 — Community monitoring committee set up to monitor group activities, PM&E activities continue in project areas, second annual evaluation carried out

Outcomes:
  • 2006 — Progress report on program performance
  • 2007 — Progress report on program performance, previous year and cumulative

Lessons Learned:
  1. Workshops for VEDCO staff to discuss implications of PM&E are extremely valuable for Learned: designing modifications to program design and implementation
  2. Involving communities in monitoring and evaluating program activities builds local legitimacy and ownership of program activities
  3. Engagement of local government elected and administrative officials

Challenges & Questions:
  1. Providing guidance and observing follow through to link PM&E frameworks with data & Questions collected, reported and analyzed
  2. Organizing and funding appropriate external evaluation in years 4-5
  3. Planning and organizing appropriate in-country sharing of experiences 2004-2009

More information about strengthening local institutions and enhancing the capabilities of professionals in Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation can be found here .

If you have interest or experience in participatory monitoring and evaluation and would like to contribute to the Center's activities please contact us to learn how!