Measuring results discussion

Although there is agreement that CD is a complex process, monitoring and evaluation systems often focus on capturing relatively easy to measure results for accountability purposes.  A rigid focus on results can hinder and obstruct the CD process and be counterproductive in terms of development effectiveness, but ‘mixed approaches’ to M&E may offer the possibility of measuring both quantitative and qualitative results while also supporting learning.

Key traps and debates in monitoring and evaluating capacity development include a lack of clarity about whether M&E is for accountability or for learning, level (organisations, beneficiaries, or communities) at which CD is supposed to be taking place, and the tension between demands for results-based management and more qualitative systems thinking approaches. 

How have you resolved these challenges? 

What M&E approaches would you recommend to colleagues? 

Please share your thoughts on the discussion paper and leave your comments below!

Photo credit: Garrett Nuzzo-Jones