Has project monitoring and evaluation worked?

Abstract

Most agricultural and rural development projects now include financial provision for monitoring and evaluation (M&E). These are expensive activities yet there has been little analysis of whether they provide value for money. A rather negative view of M&E 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 M&E, including unachievable objectives, ineffective reporting methods and poor timeliness. Despite this, continuing commitment to M&E suggests that benefits are being realised from its application.