Monitoring and evaluation practice in water and sanitation
This research project would be to conduct a meta-analysis of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) (theory, method and practice) of AusAID (or other development agency) water and sanitation projects and assess the relevance and applicability of integrated participatory impact assessment methodologies.
Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is a critical stage of the aid project cycle. It offers the greatest opportunity to learn and influence future project and program design, justifying a research focus on M&E to improve AusAID projects and programs. A review of existing M&E processes will address the following questions: What constitutes desirable impact, and from whose perspective? What methods of inquiry render the desired outcomes? What is the role of participation in M&E practice and how can the perceived benefits be maximised? How do current M&E practices specifically measure changes in the lives of the poor? To what extent are community-based approaches valuable as a complement to the controversial Joint Monitoring Program of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)?
A second aspect of the research concerns the potential of integrated participatory impact assessment, a newly emerging evaluation framework, where the term "integrated" here denotes a multidisciplinary approach including biophysical, technical, social, economic, cultural and heritage dimensions. Such approaches are gaining use in large infrastructure development projects (e.g. mining) and warrant investigation for the application regarding water and wastewater infrastructure. Benefits of such an approach include taking account of the concerns of local communities at all stages; evaluation criteria and expectations being mutually agreed by stakeholders in the early stages, baseline assessment informing management monitoring requirements; and promoting a flexible, adaptive management approach.
The outcomes of such research might be guidelines for improved M&E and application of integrated participatory impact assessment for different project types (balancing use of resources with meaningful participation) and identification of emerging evaluation issues applicable to this sector; dialogue between practitioners and policy makers.
For further information about this topic contact Dr Juliet Willetts
