International perspectives on participatory monitoring and evaluation

Abstract

This paper developed by PRIA presents international perspectives on participatory monitoring and evaluation, examining its origin, and analysing the principles, methods, and practices that define it. The historical roots of Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation are traced to the emergence of participatory research which was influenced by practices of adult educators, and critiqued traditional social science methodologies that devalued popular knowledge and perpetuated elite control over knowledge production. The paper contrasts conventional forms of monitoring and evaluation with participatory forms and discusses the objectives and principles of Participatory M&E. It also outlines core steps in developing Participatory monitoring and evaluation, from identifying stakeholders to collecting information, analysis, and using results, and examines some objectives of innovative participatory techniques. Further, four case studies are used to illustrate participatory monitoring and evaluation in practice. The paper concludes by asking some important questions for proper establishment of participatory monitoring processes such as what information is needed, who will collect it, how it will be collected, and how findings will be used.