An Assessment of the Application of Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation Approach in Government-funded Projects: a Case Study of the Women Enterprise Fund in Mathioya Sub-county.

Abstract

This research explored the use of participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) approach, in the Constituency Women Enterprise Scheme (C-WES) of the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) in Mathioya Sub County. The primary goal of was to evaluate the extent to which beneficiaries were involved in planning, designing and monitoring and evaluation. The research study used a mixed-methods approach. A total of seven (7) key informants were interviewed from local government officials, C-WES project field officials, and from the Women Enterprise Fund committee members using purposive sampling. Thirty (30) project beneficiaries drawn from the three wards in the sub-county using both proportionate and systematic sampling techniques were surveyed. Microsoft Excel was used for data analysis. The study established that, Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E) approach at the Women Enterprise Fund’s (WEF) C-WES project is still at its initial stages, and lacks clarity. The lack of clarity around how it is understood and utilized, is a major factor that is delaying the fulfillment of the PM&E approach's full potential. The findings revealed that a significant lack of beneficiaries involvement during the planning and design phase of the PM&E process, indicating various forms of non-participation. Specifically, 73.3 percent of the respondents did not participate at all, while 25.7 percent had limited awareness of the established plans pertaining to the objectives setting, budget allocation, and the selection of the M&E team responsible for monitoring progress. Beneficiaries displayed limited involvement in the other aspects of the PM&E. During the formulation and development of indicators to track progress, only 16.7 percent actively participated, while the majority 83.3 percent were merely informed. Similarly, in the data collection phase, 63.3 percent of the beneficiaries did not participate, indicating a lack of engagement. Furthermore, an overwhelming 86.7 percent of the beneficiaries did not participate in the analysis of the collected data. Active involvement in communicating the PM&E results was limited, with only 13.3 percent taking an active role, which the majority 56.7 percent were only informed about the results. Additionally, a significant majority of the beneficiaries 90 percent did not participate in determining the action plan based on the data. xi These findings highlight the need to enhance beneficiary involvement across all stages of the M&E process for improved effectiveness and inclusiveness. In conclusion, the study underscores the nascent stage of participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) implementation at the Women Enterprise Fund’s (WEF) C-WES project, revealing a lack of clarity and substantial non-participation among beneficiaries. The study thus recommends, the need to foster active involvement in planning and design, and promoting engagement throughout the M&E process. To improve effectiveness and inclusiveness, it is crucial to address these gaps and ensure beneficiaries play a more integral role in shaping, implementing, and delivering action plans from the PM&E approach within the Constituency Women Enterprise Scheme (C-WES).