Original Research
Operationalising an effective monitoring and evaluation system for local government: Considerations for best practice
Submitted: 07 May 2017 | Published: 16 November 2017
About the author(s)
Paul Kariuki, Democracy Development Programme (DDP), University of KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaPurshottama Reddy, School of Management, IT and Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Abstract
Objectives: The article sought to show that monitoring and evaluation is a critical development tool that needs to be supported by municipal political and administrative leadership to ensure that it functions optimally by offering citizen-responsive services.
Method: The study focused on KwaZulu-Natal province, the second largest province in South Africa, predominantly rural with a significant poverty and underdevelopment. The study utilised a mixed method participatory design, comprising quantitative and qualitative approaches.
Results: The study found that monitoring and evaluation capacity is low in the majority of municipalities besides the Metro. The municipalities were inadequately resourced with competent monitoring and evaluation human personnel, thereby stifling their capacity to deliver quality monitoring and evaluation services.
Conclusion: The article concluded that effective monitoring and evaluation in local government that is responsive to citizens’ needs is a non-negotiable imperative for government. It recommended that municipalities be adequately resourced with competent monitoring and evaluation human personnel. This is important for strengthening their capacity to deliver efficient monitoring and evaluation services.
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Crossref Citations
1. Development of Monitoring and Evaluation Systems in Four National Programs Addressing Mother and Child Health in Cote d’Ivoire: Qualitative Analysis of the Emergence and Formulation Process
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Risk Management and Healthcare Policy vol: Volume 16 first page: 699 year: 2023
doi: 10.2147/RMHP.S377617