Abstract:
The objective of this study was assessment of practices, challenges and prospects of
Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) approach used in Strengthening PSNP
Institutions and Resilience (SPIR I) project implementation in the study area. Descriptive
research design was used based on the objectives of the study. Mixed research approach was
employed to collect both quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously by using
combination of data collection methods. The target population of this study comprised SPIR I
project beneficiary households residing in the study area. Total of 120 sample households
were randomly selected for the formal survey. KII, FGD and field observation were also used
in data collection process. Descriptive statistics was used to run data analysis. The findings
showed two categories of PME practices were used in SPIR I project design and
implementation phases. Preliminary assessment meetings (76%) and stakeholders’ analysis
workshops (65%) were conducted during the project design period. Launching workshops
(57%), quarterly meetings (92%), supportive supervision (70%), joint monitoring (59%),
extraordinary meetings (57%), midterm evaluation (73%) and terminal evaluation (53%)
were used during project implementation. Kebele and community level stakeholders were
moderately involved in the processes of PME (58%), while high involvement of woreda, zonal
and regional level stakeholders was experienced (30%). The findings also revealed that 83%
of sample respondents confirmed that the PME approach employed was of participatory. The
majority of project stakeholders participated in cooperating and providing feedback on
voluntary bases. Scarce financial and logistic resources (81%), lack of commitment of
stakeholders (64%), deficiency of expertise to effectively monitor and evaluate project
implementation (55%), lack of adequate baseline information (46%) and group dominance
and biasedness (38%) were the major challenges constrained the PME. The findings also
revealed the prospects of PME as problem solving, accommodation of diverse views and
interests, transparency and accountability, strengthening local capacity and sustainability of
project outcomes/impacts. Development agencies and local government are expected to
strengthen the capacity of local community to enhance their roles in PME systems and boost
bargaining and negotiation skills so as to maximize their share and uphold stakes in
development interventions.
