Influence of monitoring and evaluation systems use on performance of non-governmental organizations: A case of agribusiness projects in Murang’a county, Kenya

Abstract

Effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E), vital for tracking and measuring results and throwing light on the impact of development interventions, remain challenging. This study aimed to find out the influence of Monitoring and Evaluation Systems use on performance of Non-Governmental Organizations Agri-Business Projects in Murang’a County. The study was guided by the following research objectives; to assess the influence of indicators on performance of agri-business projects in murang’a county, to establish the influence of human resources on performance of monitoring and evaluation systems Use in non-governmental organizations Agri-Business projects, to determine how use of M&E findings influences performance of monitoring and evaluation system Use in non-governmental organizations Agri-Business projects, to find out the influence of information systems on performance of monitoring and evaluation system Use in nongovernmental organizations Agri-Business projects and finally to examine the influence of propriety standards on performance of monitoring and evaluation system Use in nongovernmental organizations Agri-Business projects. The research design used was a survey. The study targeted Programme Officers, monitoring and evaluation officers and field officers in nongovernmental organizations implementing agribusiness projects in Murang’a County. The Data Collection instruments included a questionnaire and an interview guide. Data Analysis was quantitative in form of correlation and regression between the variables. Descriptive data collected was analyzed, interpreted and inferred through triangulation of information. The study found negative correlation between availability and use of indicators in projects and performance of NGO projects. In the second objective, the study found a positive correlation between human resources in monitoring and evaluation and performance. The third objective found a negative correlation between utilization of Monitoring and Evaluation findings and performance of NGO projects. The fourth objective found a positive correlation between information systems use in a project with how well the project performed. In the last objective, the study found a negative correlation between propriety standards in Monitoring and Evaluation and performance of NGO Agri-business projects. The study was aimed at benefiting both non-profit organizations and also governments in promoting accountability for the achievement of objectives through the assessment of results, effectiveness, processes, and performance of both Governments and INGOs involved in various activities. It was also aimed at promoting learning, feedback, and knowledge sharing on results and lessons learned in NGOs and Governments as a basis for decision making on policies, strategies, program management, projects, and programs; and to improve performance.