Assessment of Zambia’s agriculture sector monitoring and evaluation system
Abstract
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) has become the ‘buzz’ word in the development arenas of both the developed and developing countries. Proponents of M&E within the field of development have contended that well-functioning M&E systems can contribute highly to the provision of necessary information for use at all levels of the policy cycle. More specifically, M&E is acclaimed for improving policy and planning, enhances accountability as well as supports various management functions. Nevertheless, the advocates are also aware that M&E does not have an intrinsic value but rather the benefits have to be sought for in the context of how much M&E information is being used by decision-makers and in influencing policy. After conducting an M&E diagnosis of the agriculture sector, it has become apparent that there are many factors that affect the operation of sector M&E systems even when implemented within the general framework of government M&E arrangement. For instance, the different linkages and relationships with CSOs, donors, parliament, private sector, national statistics institution and the national-level M&E. Whether there are champions to lead the process of M&E reform in the agriculture sector is another factor that may determine and separate success from failure. On the whole, the agriculture sector M&E system has been found with better ability to supply relevant information to several of its stakeholders. Equally, the M&E system of the agriculture sector has a comparatively well-developed demand side, thereby able to stimulate different actors to ask and use its M&E outputs. Finally, for the agriculture sector M&E system to be used as an instrument of managing the implementation of sector strategies and contribute to the national poverty reduction agenda, it is crucial to focus on strengthening both its supply and demand sides. But like it is currently done, there will be need to ensure that the demand side is organized quickly while the supply side is also being developed.
How to Cite This Article
Vincent Kanyamuna, Paul Musanda, Rudo Phiri-Mumba (2023). Assessment of Zambia’s agriculture sector monitoring and evaluation system . International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation (IJMRGE), 4(4), 987-997.