An Assessment of Monitoring and Evaluation Systems of Federal Government of Somalia. A Case of the Ministry of Planning

Abstract

The main objective of the assessment was to assess the status of the M&E system in the Ministry of Planning in the Federal Government of Somalia. Specifically, the study wanted to establish: the extent to which the M&E system in the Ministry of Planning in the Federal Government of Somalia compared with the established M&E standards, the gaps/challenges of the M&E system and the contribution of the M&E system to programme improvement. The study adopted the UNAIDS (2009) framework together with the Monitoring and Evaluation Systems Strengthening Tool criteria on M&E system assessment. The study employed convenient sampling technique to solicit data from personnel in the Ministry of Planning in the Federal Government of Somalia. To collect comprehensive data, the assessment applied structured questionnaires, key informant interview guide and document reviews. The study generated both quantitative and qualitative data. Excel Spreadsheet and SPSS version 24 were applied in the analysis of quantitative data, while Nvivo was applied to analyze qualitative data. Findings of the study established that the status of the M&E system for the Ministry of Planning in the Federal Government of Somalia scored 53% out of a possible 100%. This score represents a computed gap of 47%. The individual components had different scores, indicating that while some components were largely compliant others were not. For instance, Organizational structure with monitoring and evaluation functions had the highest compliance (58%), which was attributed to dedicated M&E unit with clearly outlined responsibilities compared to data demand and use (49%). This suggests that while efforts have been made by the ministry of planning to institutionalize monitoring and evaluation in the day-to-day operations, there are still gaps in the M&E system. The assessment recommends the need to integrate multisectoral plans into the M&E plan in addition to employing adequate and qualified workforce to undertake M&E activities and involve them in decision-making.