How to Move beyond the Impact Evaluation Trap? Setting up Comprehensive M&E Systems for Social Protection Programmes

Abstract

“’It is tempting—but dangerous—to view M&E as having inherent value. The value of M&E does not come simply from conducting M&E or from having such information available’, but from “using the information to help improve government performance” (Mackay 2007). When set up appropriately, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems can support policymaking, performance budgeting and planning; help to manage activities; and enhance transparency and accountability. In the context of social protection programmes, M&E can play a critical role in improving programme design (including building synergies with other sectoral policies), solving problems in programme implementation and aiding decision-making (e.g. prioritising and budgeting), while also fostering the political and social support needed for scaling up from pilots to nationally owned programmes.”(…)