Monitoring & Evaluation

A rights-based Monitoring and Evaluation framework is being developed for RAVI. From experience, a rights-based Monitoring and Evaluation system is more useful if it is developed with inputs from grassroots CSOs and other stakeholders. RAVI believes that the methods and processes we use are as important as the results we hope to achieve – because we will not achieve the results of transformation and power shifts that we want to see, unless we use the right methods and processes. To this end, RAVI has established a mechanism for developing and implementing a Monitoring and Evaluation framework that embeds a participatory assessment of process into that of impact and outcome.A detailed documentation of the M&E process will be available by end of April 2005.

There will be a baseline assessment of the grant recipients during the application phase after which successful applicants will be involved in the design process to finalize the M&E framework. Subsequently, RAVI will work together with grant recipients to implement and document the processes, impacts and outcomes of all RAVI-funded interventions. Particularly, the M&E framework will

• Ensure that local level effects of RAVI are complemented with higher level processes which can secure real reforms and benefits in the long run. This will be done through balanced monitoring of (and response to) processes of CBOs, medium-large CSOs and intermediaries.

• Ensure that capacities of grantees and intermediaries are strengthened adequately to undertake rights-based M&E

• Ensure that stakeholders are involved in defining objectives, methods to be used and analysis of results

• Provide mechanisms for collating and disseminating monitoring and evaluation reports to provide feedback to all stakeholders on implications of the M&E findings on modifications of the processes, strategies and/or approaches.

• Ensure significant change monitoring within direct/intermediary organizations and their constituencies

• Encourage self-monitoring and lesson learning among grantees and intermediaries

From another perspective, the RAVI M&E framework is a way to monitor and evaluate everything that is funded by RAVI which means an M&E of RAVI fund mechanism itself. This will be done in ways that fit with RAVI vision, principles and culture and should be accessible to all. The M&E is likely to be complex in thinking, comprehensive but strikingly simple in practice.