SYSTEM FILE & POST-IMPLEMENTATION REPORT

System File & Post-Implementation Report



M&E System and Development of Evaluation Capacity

Introduction

Conclusions and opinions presented herein result from our practical experience in implementing a Local Government Administration Component of the World Bank-funded Rural Development Program ($ 200mln) - RDP. These grass-root level findings create a basis for reviewing main factors, which determine evaluation capacity at the program and sector level. (Yost and Keifer 2008 283-99)

After presenting basic data and the strategic context of the Rural Development Program, we will explain our approach to organizing M&E system under the Local-Government Administration Component. Discussion of inter-relationships between the monitoring and evaluation functions will be followed by a review of linkages between the program-specific and sector-related aspects of the final evaluation. In the last part of our presentation we will list lessons learned, conclusions and recommendations concerning development of evaluation capacity.

Definition of key terms and concepts

Evaluation (DAC definition)

What?

Evaluation is an assessment that refers to design, implementation and results of completed or on-going project / program / policy.

How?

Evaluation should be systematic and objective. Key criteria to be used are: relevance, fulfillment of objectives, developmental efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability.

Why?

Evaluation should provide credible and useful information to enable the incorporation of lessons learned into the decision-making process (recipients and donors).

Monitoring (WB definition)

What?

Monitoring is an integral part of a day-to-day management.

How?

Monitoring embodies the regular tracking of inputs, activities, outputs, reach, outcomes, and impacts of development activities at the project program, sector and national levels

Why?

Monitoring provides information by which management can identify and solve implementation problems and assess progress towards project's objectives

Evaluation Capacity Development, ECD (WB definition)

"ECD is the process of setting up a country-based system to conduct and use M&E". To develop evaluation capacity, three main elements of the system should be simultaneously addressed: (1) demand for evaluation in public administration and interest in evaluations' findings among media and civil society; (2) supply of professional evaluation services based on properly developed information systems; and (3) institutional framework allowing stakeholders for effective incorporation of evaluation findings in follow up activities. (Doorn and Milter 2005 221-36)

Rural Development Program, Local Government Administration Component - Key Facts

The Rural Development Program (RDP) has been designed to provide medium-term support to the development of the rural sector in Poland. RDP contributes to three overall objectives (i) increase the level of off-farm employment in rural areas, (ii) on-going decentralization of self-government and regional development, and (iii) building institutional capacity to absorb EU pre-accession and structural funds. (Thompson and Bleak 2007 278-91)

Diagram 1: RDP Structure

RDP is implemented through a series of components, addressing various aspects of the Government's Strategy for Rural Development:

Component A: Micro-credit,

Component B-1: Labor Redeployment,

Component B-2: Education,

Component B-3: LG Administration,

Component C: Rural Infrastructure (Smith 2005 357-78)

The Local Government Administration Component (B-3) aims to increase the level of efficiency and effectiveness in local and regional administration (project urpose). Key results and outputs expected at the end of the program include:

Results

Key Outputs

1. Participating LG units have resources to use external management support

Providing massive management training ...