Practical Insights on Monitoring and Evaluation

supporting mobile data collection

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) in ICT4D Programs

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plays a critical role in ICT4D (Information and Communication Technologies for Development). M&E involves the systematic collection and analysis of data on the progress, impact, and effectiveness of ICTD projects and initiatives, in order to inform decision-making and improve performance.

The role of M&E in ICT4D includes:

  • Tracking progress: M&E helps to track the progress of ICTD projects and initiatives against predetermined benchmarks and targets, allowing for the identification of any issues or challenges that need to be addressed.
  • Assessing impact: M&E helps to assess the impact of ICTD projects and initiatives on the intended beneficiaries, including any changes in their well-being, opportunities, or quality of life.
  • Identifying best practices: M&E helps to identify best practices and lessons learned from ICTD projects and initiatives, which can be shared with others and used to inform the design and implementation of future projects.
  • Improving efficiency: M&E helps to identify areas for improvement and efficiency in the use of ICTs for development, allowing for the optimization of resources and the maximization of impact.

Overall, M&E is an essential component of ICTD, as it helps to ensure that projects and initiatives are being implemented effectively, efficiently, and sustainably, and are having the desired impact on the intended beneficiaries.

How to Help Community-Based mHealth Programs Collect High-Quality Data

How to Help Community-Based mHealth Programs Collect High-Quality Data

Published on: Feb 20 2017 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on How to Help Community-Based mHealth Programs Collect High-Quality Data
As health programs are relying more on decentralized models of care, mHealth has made it easier to collect, manage and store community-level health data. This data...
Are Messaging Apps and Emoji-Driven M&E a Game-Changing Innovation?

Are Messaging Apps and Emoji-Driven M&E a Game-Changing Innovation?

Published on: Jan 16 2017 by Jacob Korenblum - 3 Comments
Ten years ago, very few people mentioned cell phones and M&E in the same sentence. Phones were for phone calls, or for texting friends; monitoring surveys were...
4 Reasons for Large Scale SMS Text Surveys in Developing Countries

4 Reasons for Large Scale SMS Text Surveys in Developing Countries

Published on: Jan 09 2017 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on 4 Reasons for Large Scale SMS Text Surveys in Developing Countries
We know that SMS is a cheap, convenient, easy to adapt and automate, and non-intrusive way to collect data. But compared to face to face or phone interviews, text...
9 Considerations for Seamless Mobile MERL Solutions

9 Considerations for Seamless Mobile MERL Solutions

Published on: Jan 02 2017 by Praekelt Org - 1 Comment
With mHealth a fast growing component of health delivery systems, many organisations are developing mobile and digital solutions to tackle health problems around...
How to Apply Agile Principles to International Development M&E

How to Apply Agile Principles to International Development M&E

Published on: Dec 05 2016 by Guest Writer - 2 Comments
We all want to be good at our jobs. We want to accomplish the things we set out to do. If we aren’t accomplishing them, we want to figure out why or try new solutions. The...
What Is The True Cost of Collecting Performance Indicator Data?

What Is The True Cost of Collecting Performance Indicator Data?

Published on: Sep 23 2016 by Guest Writer - 1 Comment
We had a fascinating conversation a few weeks ago with a medical doctor who runs an HIV clinic in Tanzania. He offered an anecdote that powerfully illustrates an...
Get Your Online Diploma in Tech for M&E with TechChange

Get Your Online Diploma in Tech for M&E with TechChange

Published on: Aug 31 2016 by Tech Change - Comments Off on Get Your Online Diploma in Tech for M&E with TechChange
When it comes to international development, technology moves fast. Whether implementing global or local programs, knowing that you are getting the right data for...
Please Register Now for MERL Tech 2016

Please Register Now for MERL Tech 2016

Published on: Aug 29 2016 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Please Register Now for MERL Tech 2016
Please register now for MERL Tech 2016, the premier conference on the use of technology for monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning. Over 300 of your peers...
How to Create an Effective Monitoring and Evaluation Framework

How to Create an Effective Monitoring and Evaluation Framework

Published on: Jul 20 2016 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on How to Create an Effective Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
In recent years, organizations and employees are being measured not on their stories, but on their numbers. When you introduce your organization, people will always...
Please RSVP Now for MERL Tech 2016 and Submit Your Session Ideas

Please RSVP Now for MERL Tech 2016 and Submit Your Session Ideas

Published on: Jul 12 2016 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Please RSVP Now for MERL Tech 2016 and Submit Your Session Ideas
The use of technology for monitoring, evaluation research and learning (MERL) has become increasingly sophisticated and more openly accepted in the international...