Factors influencing implementation of monitoring and evaluation of projects in non-governmental organizations. A case of Sunaid Africa

Abstract

Project monitoring and evaluation is fundamental if the project objectives and success is to be achieved. Monitoring and evaluation of project improves overall efficiency of project planning, management and implementation. This study sought to find out the factors affecting the implementation of monitoring and evaluation of projects. The study sought to understand how Finance affects Monitoring/Evaluation implementation; and also examine the level of participation of stakeholders in the monitoring and evaluation process. Without forgetting the level of skills Monitoring/Evaluation officers posses to enable them perform the process satisfactorily and also the availability of enough staff to perform Monitoring and Evaluation.

The study targeted SUNAID AFRICA and their donor funded projects. The research was a survey and used instruments like questionnaires, and interviews. A total of 73 respondents were involved. Analysis was descriptive in nature and presented in form of tabular summaries. Relevant Skills and Knowledge came out as a major factor influencing Monitoring and evaluation. It was also revealed that finance and resources which most organizations tend to ignore determines the general input which would be dedicated to monitoring and evaluation as a whole. An independent monitoring and Evaluation department lacked in many projects; it was noted that this noble department is Inco operated in other departments and given little attention.

The study suggests that organizations should be able to raise enough funds from project sponsors or donors in order to support enough officers doing monitoring and evaluation and general project management. This can be done during proposal writing by including enough funds on the Monitoring and Evaluation budget line and administrative costs for officers involved in the projects. The study further recommends that systems concepts should be used on evaluation other than the common log-frame based evaluations. A clear distinction should also be made between interpretation and implementation of Monitoring and Evaluation regarding to the log frame. This study is of great significance to organizations, project officers, stakeholders and the community as a whole.