The monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system concept guides Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in tracking project implementation progress, assessing project performance and the achievement of development objectives. The research problem suggests some inconsistencies and gaps in NGO M&E systems to the detriment of projects effectiveness. This study therefore sought to undertake a comparative analysis of the adoption and effective application of the M&E system theories by local and international NGOs, and the contributing factors.
The research employed a qualitative case study approach to generate in-depth evidence from the lived experiences and expert views of purposively sampled M&E and project staff drawn from a local and an international NGO case study in Zimbabwe. The study adopted the ‘deductive qualitative design’, a novel research design that tests theory using qualitative methods. Primary and secondary data was collected, thematic content analysis undertaken, and data triangulated.
Findings established that NGOs were on track in the adoption of M&E system principles, albeit with some application gaps and inconsistencies especially for the local NGO due to resource constraints. The M&E system was found to be relevant notwithstanding duplications in some of its theories, concepts and frameworks, worsened by some donors’ imposition of inconsistent M&E approaches on NGOs.
The study makes recommendations on measures to hamonise duplicating M&E system theories, frameworks, enhancement of NGOs capacity by donors, In its contribution to the body of knowledge, the study also came up with an M&E systems ‘theory to practice’ conceptual framework that guides future M&E theory and NGO practice research, for effective projects that address societal development.