Evaluating Country-Level Government Monitoring & Evaluation Systems

EPAR TECHNICAL REPORT #299

Wed, 04/22/2015

AUTHORS: Pierre Biscaye, Melissa LaFayette, Andrew Martin, Monica Richardson, Zoë True, C. Leigh Anderson

ABSTRACT:

Aid results information is often not comparable, since monitoring and evaluation frameworks, information gathering processes, and definitions of “results” differ across donors and governments. This report reviews approaches to results monitoring and evaluation used by governments in developing countries, and highlights trends and gaps in national monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems. We collect evidence on 42 separate government M&E systems in 23 developing countries, including 17 general national M&E systems and 25 sector-specific national M&E systems, with 14 focused on HIV/AIDS, 8 on health, and 3 on agriculture. The evidence review includes external case studies and evaluations of M&E systems, government M&E assessments, M&E plans, strategic plans with an M&E component, and multi-country reviews of M&E, accountability, and aid effectiveness. We evaluate harmonization of government and development partner M&E systems, coordination and institutionalization of government M&E, challenges in data collection and monitoring, and analysis and use of results information. We also report on key characteristics of M&E systems in different sectors.

See also EPAR Technical Report #300: Evaluating Donor-Level Results Measurement Systems.

Check out our series of posts on county-level M&E systems on the Development Gateway blog:

TYPE OF RESEARCH: Literature Review

RESEARCH TOPIC CATEGORY: Development Finance & Policy; Aid & Other Development Finance; Monitoring & Evaluation

POPULATION(S): Countries/Governments

GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS: Global