Beyond Monitoring;
Evaluating Achievements
 by
Phil Bartle, PhD

Workshop Handout

Evaluation differs from monitoring, but they are closely related

The Meaning of Evaluation:

 Evaluation is a process of judging value on what a project or
 programme has achieved particularly in relation to activities
 planned and overall objectives. It involves value judgement and
 hence it is different from monitoring (which is observation and
 reporting of observations).

Purpose of Evaluation:

 Evaluation is important to identify the constraints or bottlenecks
 that hinder the project in achieving its objectives. Solutions to
 the constraints can then be identified and implemented. Assessing
 the benefits and costs that accrue to the intended direct and
 indirect beneficiaries of the project. If the project implemented is
 for example, the protection of a spring, evaluation highlights the
 people who fetch and use water and the people whose land is wasted
 and whose crops are destroyed during the process of water
 collection.

 Drawing lessons from the project implementation experience and
 using the lessons in re-planning of projects in that community and
 elsewhere; and Providing a clear picture of the extent to which the
 intended objectives of the activities and project have been realised.

The Process of Evaluation:

 Evaluation can and should be done: (a) before, (b) during, and (c)
 after implementation. Before project implementation, evaluation is
 needed in order to:

 Assess the possible consequences of the planned project(s) to the
 people in the community over a period of time;

 . Make a final decision on what project alternative should be
   implemented; and
 . Assist in making decisions on how the project will be implemented.

 During project implementation: Evaluation should be a continuous
 process and should take place in all project implementation
 activities. This enables the project planners and implementers to
 progressively review the project strategies according to the
 changing circumstances in order to attain the desired activity and
 project objectives.

 After project implementation: This is to retrace the project
 planning and implementation
 process, and results after project implementation.

This further helps in:

 . Identifying constraints or bottlenecks inherent in the
   implementation phase;
 . Assessing the actual benefits and the number of people who
   benefited;
 . Providing ideas on the strength of the project, for replication;
   and
 . Providing a clear picture of the extent to which the intended
   objectives of the project have been realised.


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Updated: 2003 May 8