Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)

A Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system consists of a set of systematic activities to monitor and evaluate project implementation and impact.

Monitoring is the provision of information and feedback to project management on whether the project uses the resources as agreed upon (inputs); and whether it is progressing as expected (outputs). Monitoring is a continuous process throughout the project aimed at improving implementation.

Evaluation aims to determine whether the project is achieving the intended results, and to measure the impact of the project. Evaluations are done during implementation (e.g. mid- project cycle to evaluate overall project achievements; or to study a specific aspect of the project), at the end of the project, and ideally, a few years after project completion to measure the long-term effects.

The M&E system allows the project management team to make appropriate, informed decisions in order to decide whether project design, approach, implementation and/or activities should be adjusted to better achieve the objectives. In other words, a well-designed M&E system answers the questions:

• Are we doing the things right? = monitoring
• Are we doing / have we done the right things? = evaluation

Advantages of Monitoring & Evaluation

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) is a tool for planning:

• Designing the M&E system and choosing indicators will clarify the objectives and the logic of the program; it can be useful in making implicit assumptions explicit, and alert one to rethink cause-and-effect paths.
• Setting targets during project preparation will require agreement among all stakeholders concerning the expected input, output and impact of the project.

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) is a tool to monitor and improve project progress:

• The M&E system can improve implementation through early warning of problems (delay in training activities, lack of sufficient financial resources due to higher construction prices, less-than-expected community participation, etc.).
• It can provide feedback regarding the outcomes of activities and give suggestions for improvement (Is the project doing what it is supposed to do?).
• The M&E system can improve implementation by measuring whether the planned and implemented activities are actually producing the intended outcomes and whether revised or additional activities are necessary.

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) is a tool to measure and increase project impact:

• Because an M&E system measures outcomes and results, it focuses on what the project has achieved - not just what the efforts have been. This will promote accountability of the project team and stimulate performance.
• M&E systems can improve Early Child Development (ECD) programs in general: Evaluations show which models/approaches have the largest impact, they provide new learning experiences, and identify good practices.
• Evaluation is especially valuable for pilot projects: The evaluation can give answers to whether the project approach that was used is adequate for the context; whether it can and should be expanded, and how this might be done.

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) is an instrument for advocacy of ECD programs:

The outcomes of evaluation can demonstrate the effectiveness of a program to outsiders, such as potential donors, government officials, caregivers, or the public at large and thereby increase involvement, interest and awareness.