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Monitoring and evaluation under the PRSP: solid rock or quicksand?
1University of Antwerp, Institute of Development Policy and Management, Antwerp, Belgium. nathalie.holvoet@ua.ac.be
Evaluation and Program Planning
|August 11, 2007
Summary
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems in Sub-Saharan Africa are underdeveloped, struggling under the new aid architecture. The Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) aim to improve M&E but place unrealistic demands on nascent national systems.
Area of Science:
- Development Studies
- Public Administration
- African Studies
Background:
- A recent shift in international aid favors program-oriented approaches and civil society participation.
- Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) have become a central framework for aid negotiations and implementation.
- There is a recognized gap in research concerning the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) components within this new aid paradigm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a stocktaking and assessment of M&E systems in selected Sub-Saharan African countries.
- To analyze the strengths and weaknesses of current M&E practices within the context of new aid frameworks.
- To contribute to the under-researched area of M&E in development aid.
Main Methods:
- Desk study of M&E systems in selected Sub-Saharan African countries.
- Analysis of M&E components within the PRSP framework.
- Assessment of the impact of new aid conditionality on national M&E capacities.
Main Results:
- M&E systems are identified as a weaker component of the current international aid architecture.
- The PRSP approach shows potential for improving M&E but presents significant challenges.
- Nascent national M&E systems are under considerable stress due to the ambitious nature of PRSPs.
Conclusions:
- Existing M&E systems in Sub-Saharan Africa require substantial strengthening to meet new aid demands.
- The PRSP framework's ambitious goals may inadvertently hinder the development of effective national M&E capacities.
- Further research and practical support are needed to bolster M&E systems in low-income countries undergoing aid reform.
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