Monitoring & Evaluation

Monitoring and Evaluation is used to assess the performance of projects and programmes with the goal to not only improve current and future outputs, outcomes and lasting impact but also to provide transparency in reporting and resource allocation. M&E is ideally seen as a dialogue on ongoing activities and its progress between all stakeholders involved.

We understand M&E as the systematic observation, documentation, analysis and presentation of selected parameters as a basis for learning and adjusting project implementation and updating of project strategies. At ECO we support the entire process from concept development to operationalisation of monitoring accompanied by capacity building. A sound monitoring system is a key factor for success of any project and the gained insights stimulate dialogue among project partners and serve the decision-making of all involved actors.

Following an integrated approach, ECO’s portfolio in the area of monitoring and evaluation comprises various services and approaches:

Development of customised project M&E systems:

Development of our results-based M&E systems enable control, monitoring and auxiliary functions on two levels: 1) Integration of a performance monitoring into existing M&E protocols and 2) monitoring of the performance through process and impact monitoring. (e.g. GPC III, PAGE2, ProSol, ProPFR)

Development of sector-specific monitoring approaches / concepts / systems:

ECO offers services in the fields of ecological monitoring and economic simulation models as well as the development of monitoring systems at national level that assess the quality and impact of specific national policies and programmes.

For instance, ECO develops monitoring systems for wood energy value chains in various projects that address (i) information on growing stock and increment of wood-fuel plantations and natural forests – linked to climate data, (ii) economic analyses of rural energy markets, as well as (iii) price statistics and socio-economic parameters. (e.g. PAGE2, ProEDUC, PEP, Mauretania)

Project and programme evaluation:

We dispose of broad experience in the relevant state-of-the art methodologies and tools and carried out a significant number of large-scale evaluations and project progress reviews at all levels, ranging from regional and country strategies, sector policies, sector programs to projects.

We do not offer off-the-shelf products, but always develop and design custom-made solutions, as the starting point for any assignment requires an individual approach. We look at the design of M&E systems not as a one-time exercise, but always leave room for flexible adaptation and refinement.

Since our early projects we strive for participatory planning, implementing and monitoring processes as well as ongoing coordination with all major stakeholders. The vertical integration and networking of everybody involved, from national decision-makers to the local population, is crucial for successful consultancy and the basis to comprehensive and meaningful project implementation. We highly value the participatory character and simplicity of our instruments, which allows our partners to develop ownership more easily.

As consultants we work in a variety of different sectors, regions, on various levels and thus have the opportunity to understand core factors influencing the effectiveness of development efforts beyond local contexts – and to develop related support elements.

These services are always supported by the development of digital solutions such as data collection tools, databases and interactive/web-based analysis and presentation.