An Assessment of the Monitoring and Evaluation System of the Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme, Phase Ii (Asdsp Ii)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the M&E system of the ASDSP and to determine the extent to which it meets the set-out standards of a functioning M&E system. The study operationalized the 12 components as the standard framework for this assessment. A descriptive case study design was utilized to assess the M&E system of the ASDSP, which allowed for a description of the current ASDSP M&E system. It also aided in identifying the strengths and weaknesses which were essential to the achievement of the objectives. The target population was the programme implementation team of the ASDSP and M&E staff, as well as staff in the counties. A sample size of 19 respondents was purposively selected from the programme implementation team in Nairobi while all respondents at the two select counties were interviewed. The study used primary data that was collected using structured questionnaires. The generated frequencies and their respective percentages were used to assess the degree of compliance of each component to the standards. The overall average score of the ASDSP M&E system was 77 percent. This score indicates that the M&E system is meeting the established standards though with a few shortcomings. The study revealed that the best performing components were: M&E Plan (100%), Routine Monitoring (100%); Organizational Structure (88%); M&E Partnerships (86%); National and Subnational Databases (84%); and Costed Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (83%); whereas the lowest performing components were: Research and Evaluation (48%); and Data Use and Dissemination (55%). The study also established that across all the 12 components there were no substantive differences in the compliance of the M&E system between headquarters and counties. Based on the study findings, the following recommendations were made to enable ASDSP to strengthen its M&E system:  To set up a mandated team whose main roles are to ensure organizing and consenting to new research and evaluation activities. The team should also ensure that data is collated, reports are prepared, and findings are presented.  Ensure information products tailored to different audiences and dissemination schedule to relay programme successes and learnings.  Ensure stakeholder meetings are held and information is relayed for future decision making.