Putting policy into practice: participatory monitoring and evaluation in Ethiopia

This book focuses on eight UK-based international NGOs engaged in rural development interventions in Ethiopia. The author investigates their attempts to employ participatory monitoring and evaluation systems as a means of assessing, and thereby strengthening, local participation and, indirectly, accountability and institutional learning. Looking at the perceptions and practices of staff in head offices (Addis Ababa) and field offices of local participation and monitoring and evaluation, the study finds that perceptions vary considerably and are influenced by hierarchical levels within the institutions and/ or individual interests and expectations. Exploring the differences between these expectations and the realities in practice, the book highlights that participation is predominantly implemented from a æmeans orientedÆ perspective in this context. The research for the book originated as a DPhil thesis at the Institute of Development Studies, UK. The chapters progress from an introduction and research methodology section, to five analytical chapters titled æperceptions and practices of participation: a focus on local womenÆ; ÆINGO monitoring and evaluation frameworksÆ; æINGO assessment of local participation in monitoring and evaluationÆ; æthe institutionalisation of participatory monitoring and evaluationÆ; and æcreating the space for changeÆ.