Principles and Practice of Monitoring and Evaluation: A Paraphernalia for Effective Development

Abstract

This article discusses the principles and practice of monitoring and evaluation and emphasises that monitoring and evaluation (M and E) is paraphernalia for effective development. The discourse of monitoring and evaluation in development practice and theory has gained prominence over the years. It is uncontested that the purveyors of development are increasingly prioritising monitoring and evaluation as a platform for learning and accountability. This growing importance has been caused by the growing voice of the civil society’s scrutiny on good governance, and a demand for efficient public administration. At the same time, a plethora of development funders demand that M and E be implemented as a platform for learning and accountability. Despite growing importance of M and E, there seems to be a lack of clarity on the principles of M and E. The article finds its value in locating how M and E, augmented by appropriate principles, leads to effective development. Underlined by qualitative data collection methods, the article discusses relevant principles such as learning, accountability, participatory approaches, quality assurance, and reporting in monitoring and evaluation.