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This is a Literature Review study.

September 10, 2025

Understanding Monitoring and Evaluation in International Development

Key Points

Monitoring and evaluation are crucial for accountability and learning in international development, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
The research highlights the importance of frameworks such as results-based management and theory of change, which shape modern practices in program assessment.
Implementing effective monitoring requires addressing financial constraints and promoting capacity building through participatory methods and mobile technology.
Adapting monitoring approaches to local contexts is vital for sustaining their effectiveness and relevance in international development initiatives.

Abstract

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) have become indispensable in international development, evolving from financial oversight mechanisms to comprehensive systems that support accountability, learning, and sustainability. This article traces the historical development of M&E, from early compliance reporting to the Logical Framework Approach (LogFrame), Results-Based Management (RBM), and Theory of Change (ToC). It demonstrates how these frameworks shaped contemporary practice and continue to influence approaches to program design and assessment. Special attention is given to the challenges of implementing M&E in low-resource contexts, including financial constraints, limited technical expertise, and cultural barriers. The discussion highlights practical strategies such as capacity building, participatory methods, and the use of mobile technology to improve data collection and reporting. The article concludes that adaptive, participatory, and context-sensitive approaches are essential for sustaining the effectiveness and relevance of M&E, particularly in resource-constrained environments where development needs are most acute.

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