ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE OF MONITORING AND EVALUATION SYSTEM AT SNV ETHIOPIA COUNTRY OFFICE

Abstract

Many organizations view M&E as a donor requirement than a management tool for reviewing progress and correcting problems in planning or implementation of projects. This study was conducted to assess performance of M&E systems at SNV Ethiopia. It aimed to explore suitability of tools, the influence of management, relationship of training on M&E performance and identify gaps in M&E. Descriptive Survey design was used. Sixty respondents who involved in M&E activities, were purposively selected and data collected with questionnaire and interview guide then analysed using SPSS. SNV conducted M&E to meet donors demand followed by improvement of project implementation as reported by 75% and 60% of the respondents respectively. A range of tools used in M&E system including theory of change, performance indicators, results chains and logical frameworks. They were rated as most suitable and suitable to use as per 40% and 30% of respondents, respectively. The extent of ICT applications was not developed due to lack of skilled personnel and accessing data. Management at SNV used the feedbacks of M&E for learning more often. They also allocated resources. The majority confirmed that the management influence in M&E activities was effective. About 57% of the respondents did not take training on M&E in which all agreed it limited performance of M&E of projects. Lack of training and limited dedicated staff, use of ICT enabled tools and stakeholder involvement were gaps at SNV. In conclusion, SNV conducted M&E not only to comply with donors’ requirement but also as a management tool to improve the performance of the current and future project implementations. Good performance of M&E system was due to suitability of the tools applied and management support. Absence of regular capacity building programmes was limiting the performance of M&E of projects. Therefore, SNV should invest on training of its employees on the M&E system and should also assign designated staff for M&E activities. SNV should upgrade the M&E system by introducing ICT and finally the management should be proactive in designing of M&E systems and offer timely support and guidance to ensure that M&E activities are well executed and results communicated to form part in decision making and future planning.