Monitoring and Evaluation Practices and Performance of Drought Resilience Projects in Mandera County, Kenya

Abstract

Globally, any organization's goal is to be effective, and efficient, attain its objectives, and exceed in performance. The need to be successful and have a more remarkable performance has created the need for regular tracking of projects to ensure the project follows the right course for optimal performance. The role of National Drought Management Authority in Kenya is very crucial in attaining the Kenya vision 2030, the big four agenda and the Sustainable Development Goal 2(SDG 2) on ending hunger and achieving food security. Therefore, with this background, the research ought to substantiate the impact monitoring, and evaluation practices have on the performance of drought resilience projects by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) in Mandera County. The study aimed to ascertain the influence of communication management, stakeholder participation, staff expertise, and utilization of M&E results on the NDMA. This study adopted systems theory, agency theory, and theory of constraints, and the research design was descriptive. The population under study was the 5 NDMA projects executed in Mandera County, and the unit of observation was the 60 members of the 5 projects managed under NDMA. The study undertook a census survey where all the 60 members of the above project team were studied. Data from primary and secondary sources were utilized and the researcher employed semi-structured questionnaires to collect data. Reliability and validity of research instruments and study results were attained by pilot testing the research instruments. SPSS statistical package using descriptive statistics was employed to analyze the collected data. Inferential statistics were applied to ascertain the relationship between independent and dependent variables. From the findings, stakeholder participation helps in project performance, acceptance of the project, awareness creation, capacity building and the decision-making process. The study, consequently, concluded that stakeholder participation impacts performance of the NDMA projects significantly in Mandera County. The findings show that staff expertise is predominant in successful implementation of programs, effectiveness and achievement of better results. The study concludes that staff expertise influences performance of the NDMA projects significantly in Mandera County. From the findings, communication management aids in the implementation of lessons learned, dissemination of information and ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities. The study deduces that communication management influences the project performance of NDMA projects in Mandera County. Utilization of results is essential in identifying the information needs of stakeholders, completion and utility of M&E reports. The study concludes that M&E results utilization impacts the performance of NDMA projects in Mandera. The study recommends the management of NDMA projects should factor in intensive engagement of the community to ensure the projects are accepted by the community for enhanced outcome and project execution. The study recommends to the NDMA management to escalate the frequency of training and workshops ,especially with the advancement of technology where webinar meetings, workshops, and trainings can be carried out. The study recommends that real-time absorption of the M&E results be endorsed by the management of the NDMA, to avoid delays in decision making which might be brought about by deliberations of the M&E findings.