Understanding Monitoring and Evaluation in International Development
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Journal: NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies (ERDO)
Year: 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-me-understanding-2025
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About the Article
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) have become indispensable in international development, evolving from financial oversight mechanisms to comprehensive systems that support accountability, learning, and sustainability. This article traces the historical development of M&E, from early compliance reporting to the Logical Framework Approach (LogFrame), Results-Based Management (RBM), and Theory of Change (ToC). It demonstrates how these frameworks shaped contemporary practice and continue to influence approaches to program design and assessment.
Special attention is given to the challenges of implementing M&E in low-resource contexts, including financial constraints, limited technical expertise, and cultural barriers. The discussion highlights practical strategies such as capacity building, participatory methods, and the use of mobile technology to improve data collection and reporting. The article concludes that adaptive, participatory, and context-sensitive approaches are essential for sustaining the effectiveness and relevance of M&E, particularly in resource-constrained environments where development needs are most acute.
Key Topics
- Evolution of M&E in international development
- LogFrame, Results-Based Management (RBM), and Theory of Change (ToC)
- Functions of M&E: accountability, learning, decision-making, sustainability
- Operational levels: project, program, and portfolio
- Challenges in low-resource settings
- Strategies for adaptation and capacity building
- Role of technology in data collection and reporting
- Balancing rigor, participation, and flexibility
Academic Value
This article provides a critical overview of M&E as a cornerstone of development practice. It situates M&E within its historical evolution while emphasizing the importance of participatory and adaptive frameworks. By combining theoretical analysis with practical strategies, it advances scholarly debate and offers practitioners guidance on designing effective systems that balance accountability and learning. The paper reinforces the view that sustainable development outcomes depend on embedding M&E as a culture of reflection, transparency, and continuous improvement.
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