Principles and Practice of Monitoring and Evaluation: A Paraphernalia for Effective Development

Abstract

This article discusses the principles and practice of monitoring and evaluation and emphasises that monitoring and evaluation (M and E) is paraphernalia for effective development. The discourse of monitoring and evaluation in development practice and theory has gained prominence over the years. It is uncontested that the purveyors of development are increasingly prioritising monitoring and evaluation as a platform for learning and accountability. This growing importance has been caused by the growing voice of the civil society’s scrutiny on good governance, and a demand for efficient public administration. At the same time, a plethora of development funders demand that M and E be implemented as a platform for learning and accountability. Despite growing importance of M and E, there seems to be a lack of clarity on the principles of M and E. The article finds its value in locating how M and E, augmented by appropriate principles, leads to effective development. Underlined by qualitative data collection methods, the article discusses relevant principles such as learning, accountability, participatory approaches, quality assurance, and reporting in monitoring and evaluation.

The contribution of volunteerism to monitoring and evaluation of NGO projects in Chegutu district, Zimbabwe

“…Because of the scantiness of studies, there is little knowledge on the roles of volunteers in monitoring and evaluation. Mainstream literature on monitoring and evaluation (Kabonga, 2018;Kariuki, 2014;Mthethwa & Jili, 2016) depicts the practice of M and E as a preserve for professionals. Consequently, there is silence on the roles of volunteers in M and E. Thus, this research sought to document the contribution of volunteers to M and E using a case study of an NGO in Chegutu district, Zimbabwe.…”

“…The dominance of monitoring and evaluation particularly as an imperative for effective development is well established in literature (see, Kabonga, 2018;Kariuki, 2014;Mthethwa & Jili, 2016;World Bank, 2011). Despite this, the concept of monitoring and evaluation has generated immense debate.…”

“…Consequently, this research extends the frontiers of knowledge in this area. It is well documented that funding for development in Zimbabwe has been in decline since the year 2000 (Kabonga, 2018). This is as a result of Zimbabwe's isolation emanating from decade long unresolved political crisis (Kaseke & Dhemba, 2006).…”

“…Volunteers play an important role in reporting particularly through their data collection function (Govo, 2015). Also, Kabonga (2018) argues that volunteers are important in participatory M and E. Since, volunteers are knowledgeable about their communities, they assist NGOs with information regarding what the community needs to development. Volunteers are a credible source of information when evaluating a development intervention (Smith et al, 2013).…”

“…Volunteers are a credible source of information when evaluating a development intervention (Smith et al, 2013). Kabonga (2018) observed that volunteers are involved in identification of project success stories. Put in other words volunteers are involved in documenting the impact of development interventions.…”