Participatory monitoring and evaluation in local government: a case study of Lambussie District, Ghana

Bernard Afiik Akanpabadai Akanbang,Anass Ibn Abdallah

doi:10.5130/cjlg.vi25.8037

Abstract

Ghana has pursued decentralisation since 1988, but its implementation continues to face challenges. Participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) is one of the tools that can help local governments to be more effective in the planning and management of development projects. However, the issues involved in implementing PM&E in rural local governments operating within a rapidly changing sociocultural and political environment have not been sufficiently explored. To fill this gap in knowledge, this paper draws on project and policy documents and primary data on the application of PM&E in District Assemblies’ Common Fund projects implemented between 2013 and 2017 in Ghana’s Lambussie District. Six key informant interviews were held with district- and regional-level stakeholders, and eight focus group discussions were undertaken at the community level. The research found that inadequate provision for operationalising PM&E at the local level, and lack of accountability and feedback mechanisms, resulted in a tokenistic approach to PM&E. The authors suggest that research and advocacy on mechanisms for holding district authorities accountable is vital to the success of future PM&E initiatives at local government level.

Highlights

Introduction and literature reviewParticipatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) has gained currency in decentralised local governance in the developing world
There were no PM&E clauses in contractual agreements mandating service providers who implemented District Assemblies’ Common Fund (DACF) projects to cooperate with community-level stakeholders in monitoring projects
The literature suggests (Crawford 2004; Hilhorst and Guijt 2006) that having written agreements that detail communication mechanisms between all stakeholders, including the contractors, and ensuring that all stakeholders are fully aware of what is included in the contract and what is not, are essential to ensure the effectiveness of PM&E

Summary

Introduction

Introduction and literature reviewParticipatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) has gained currency in decentralised local governance in the developing world. A review of the literature shows that PM&E builds the capacity of local people to analyse, reflect and take action (Estrella et al 2000; Bartecchi 2016) It strives to be an internal learning process for project implementers and community-level stakeholders; it is flexible and adaptive to local contexts; it encourages stakeholder participation beyond data gathering; and it strengthens people's capacities to take action and promote change (Estrella et al 2000; Matsiliza 2012; Mascia et al 2014). Out of the total community-level participants of 56 (64 less the 8 heads of institutitons), there were 22 women (39.3%)

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Conclusion