A results-based monitoring and evaluation system for the Namibian Child Support Grant programme

Abstract

Background: Robust results-based monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems allow government to track the progress and impact of development programmes. This article focused on the current M&E system as adopted for the Child Support Grant (CSG) programme of the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare (MGEPESW) in Namibia.

Objectives: The article examined whether the adopted M&E processes and arrangements for the MGEPESW sufficiently track the outcomes for beneficiaries of the CSG programme to enable strategic decisions by the MGEPESW.

Method: A desktop review of available literature on M&E systems was complemented by a review of strategic reports and programme documentation of the MGEPESW that sets out the current M&E arrangements. Further interviews with senior, middle and programme managers responsible for the implementation of the CSG programme assessed the suitability and gaps of these arrangements as well as the proposed recommendations to strengthen the existing M&E arrangements.

Results: The research found several gaps in current practice that hinders the MGEPESW and decision-makers in assessing the outcomes for child beneficiaries.

Conclusion: Recommendations were offered to improve the current M&E system to better track the outcomes of the CSG programme. This included a refined theory of change, revised indicators and strengthened institutional arrangements.

Contribution: The improved results-based M&E system for the MGEPESW offers a comparative base for the implementation of results-based M&E systems for child-focused cash transfer programmes in similar contexts.