Has project monitoring and evaluation worked?

Abstract

Most agricultural and rural development projects now include financial provision for monitoring and evaluation (MandE). These are expensive activities yet there has been little analysis of whether they provide value for money. A rather negative view of MandE has emerged but, in practice, assessment of their contribution to project implementation and future project design presents a number of methodological problems. There is evidence, however, that some factors limit the impact of MandE, including unachievable objectives, ineffective reporting methods and poor timeliness. Despite this, continuing commitment to MandE suggests that benefits are being realised from its application. © 1993 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.