Stakeholder Perspectives on Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation in Educational Projects in Upper West Region, Ghana

Fauster Agbenyo; Wisdom N-Yil-Yari; Bernard Affiik Akanpabadai  Akanbang

doi:10.36005/jplm.v2i1.34

Authors

Fauster Agbenyo Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies
Wisdom N-Yil-Yari Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies
Bernard Affiik Akanpabadai Akanbang Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36005/jplm.v2i1.34

Keywords:

Participation, Monitoring and Evaluation, Decentralised Planning and management, MMDAs, Stakeholders, Involvement

Abstract

The paper set out to outline the differences between conventional M&E and PM&E from the perspectives of stakeholders and assess their involvement as well as the benefits associated with PM&E in two districts: Nadowli-Kaleo and Daffiama-Bussie-Issa in the Upper West Region, Ghana. The paper employed multi-stage, simple random and purposive sampling methods in identifying respondents for interviews. Key informant interviews were used to collect data. Thematic and qualitative content analysis of participants’ voices were used in analysing the data. Findings reveal that PM&E gives primary stakeholders power and control over project execution and taking actions on monitoring results. However, it emerged that the youth and women were not fully involved in the process, some beneficiaries have limited capacity and understanding of their roles in the PM&E process and their involvement is limited to ad hoc approaches due to resource constraints. The study concludes that despite its implementation challenges, PM&E has an edge over orthodox M&E in enhancing effective implementation of educational projects. The paper recommends education of and capacity building for beneficiaries on their roles in the PM&E process to enable them more actively and meaningfully participate in it. Policy decision-makers should make conscious efforts to timely free more resources to the monitoring teams to facilitate their work. The monitoring team should also make frantic efforts to engage the youth and women to achieve the right level of participation in the process.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Fauster Agbenyo, Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies

Senior Lecturer in the Department of Planning, Faculty of Planning and Land Management

Wisdom N-Yil-Yari, Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies

Master's student in the Department of Governance and Development Management, Faculty of Planning and Land Management

Bernard Affiik Akanpabadai Akanbang, Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies

Senior Lecturer in the Department of Planning, Faculty of Planning and Land Management.

References

Agbenyo, F., Nambah, B., & Abdulsalam, I. (2017). Sub-District structures’ participation in District medium-term development planning: The case of Nadowli-Kaleo District, Ghana. AARJM, 4 (4), pp. 133-150.

Ahmad, J. K., Devarajan, S., Khemani, S., & Shah, S. (2005). Decentralization and service delivery. Washinton DC: World Bank. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1596/1813-9450-3603

Ahmed, M., & Iqbal, K. (2009). Disaster and decentralization. Washington DC: Social Science Research Network.

Akanbang, A. A. B. & Bekyieriya, C. (2020). Decentralised monitoring in emerging local Governments: An analysis of benefits and constraining factors in the Lawra Municipality, Ghana. Ghana Journal of Development Studies, 17(2); pp. 72 – 94. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/gjds.v17i2.4

Akanbang, B. & Osei, R & Atengdem, B. P. (2013). Programme implementers' experiences of process use types in three evaluation contexts in Northern Ghana. Operant subjectivity: The International Journal of Q methodology. 36, pp. 297-319. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22488/okstate.13.100532

Armstein, S. (1969) A ladder of citizen participation, AIP Journal, 35(4), pp. 216–224. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01944366908977225

Aryabandu, M. and Duryog, N. (2006). New dimension for CBDM: Decentralized disaster management in South Asia. New Delhi: South Asia Policy Dialogue.

ASTSWMO (2011). Measuring effectiveness of state stakeholder engagement and partnering efforts. Washington, DC: ASTSWMO.

Azfar, O., Kahkonen, S., & Meagher, P. (2001). Conditions for effective decentralized governance: A synthesis of research findings. University of Maryland; Center for Institutional Reform and the Informal Sector.

Bardhan, P. (2002). Decentralization of governance and development. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 16 (4), pp.185-205. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1257/089533002320951037

Berg, B. L. 1., & Lune, H. (2012). Qualitative research methods for the social sciences (8th ed.). Boston: Pearson.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), pp.77-101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Bryman, A. (2012). Social Research methods. 4th ed. New York: Oxford University Press.

Cohen, L., Manion, L. and Morrison, K. (2007). Research methods in education (6th ed.). New DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203029053

Continuiuing Professional Development (2012). Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. Continuiuing Professional Development. Available@ https://docplayer.net/49533108-Monitoring-and-evaluation-framework-for-continuing-professional-development-2012.html. Accessed: 28/05/2020.

Cornwall, A. (2000). Beneficiary, consumer, citizen: perspectives on participation for poverty reduction. Stockholm; SIDA Information Centre, SIDA Studies.

Cornwall, A. (2008). Unpacking 'participation' models, meanings and practices, Community Development Journal 43 (3), pp.269-283. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/cdj/bsn010

Creative Commons. (2012). Participation models: Citizens, youth, online; A chase through the maze. Models of Participation & Empowerment, 1-40.

Creswell, J. W. (2012). Qualitative inquiry & research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Crook, R. (2003). “Decentralization and good governance.” In federalism in a changing world: Learning from each other, ed. Raoul Blindenbacher and Arnold Koller. Montreal: McGill-Queens University Press, 240–259.

Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District Assembly (2014). District Medium Term Development Plan 2014-2017. Accra; NDPC.

Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District Assembly (2014). District Medium Term Development Plan, 2013-2017 Plan Period. Issa; DBIA.

Dreher, A. (2006). Power to the people: the impact of decentralization on governance. Zurich; Swiss Institute for Business Cycle Research. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.881542

Enikolopov, R., & Zhuravskaya, E. (2007). Decentralization and political institutions. Journal of Public Economics, 91(11-12), pp. 2261-2290. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpubeco.2007.02.006

Erlingsson, C., & Brysiewicz, P. (2017). A hands-on guide to doing content analysis. African Journal of Emergency Medicine, 7, pp.93-99. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afjem.2017.08.001

Feinstein, O. N. (2000). Evaluation and poverty reduction: Proceedings from a World Bank Conference. Washington, D.C. World Bank. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1596/0-8213-4684-9

Fiske, E. B. (1996). Decentralization of education: Politics and consensus. Washington, D.C. The World Bank. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1596/0-8213-3723-8

Fisman, R. J., & Gatti, R. (2000). Decentralization and corruption: Evidence across countries. World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 2290. Washington DC: World Bank.

Fjeldstad, O. H. (2004). Decentralisation and corruption. A review of the literature. Chr. Michelsen Institute.

Ghana Education Service (2019). Organizational Structure of the Ghana Education Service, District Education Office Organizational Chart. GES. Available @https://ges.gov.gh/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/organogram.pdf. Accessed: 28/05/2020

Ghana Government (2016). Local Government Act (Act 936). Tema; Ghana Publishing Corporation, Printing Division.

Ghana Statistical Service (2014). 2010 Population and Housing Census, District Analytical Report; Daffiama Bussie Issa District, Accra; Ghana Statistical Service.

Greener, S. Martelli, T. J. (2015). Introduction to Business Research Methods (2nd Ed). ApS, Copenhagen; Ventus Publishing.

IBRD. (2008). Decentralization in client countries: An evaluation of World Bank Support, 1990-2007. Washinton, D.C.: World Bank.

Katja, J. (1997). Participatory monitoring and evaluation guidelines: Eexperiences from the field. London: DFID.

Kothari, C.R. (2004). Research methodology: methods and techniques. New Delhi; New Age International Publishers.

Kumar, S. (2002). Methods for community participation. A Complete guide for practitioners. London: ITDG Publishers.

Mattesich, P. W. (2003). The Manager's guide to programme evaluation St Paul, MN: Wilder Publishing Center

Malhotra, N. K. & Birks, D. F. (2006). Marketing research: An applied approach, Harlow, FT/Prentice Hall.

MLGRD. (2010). Draft decentralization policy Framework. Accra: Ministry of Local Governance and Rural Development, MLGRD.

Nadowli-Kaleo District Assembly (2014). District Medium Term Development Plan 2014-2017. Accra; NDPC.

National Development Planning Commission (2006). Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy, 2004 Annual Progress Report. Washinton DC: IMF.

National Development Planning Commission (2007). Guidelines for the preparation of the District monitoring and evaluation plan, under the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS II) 2006-2009. Accra; NDPC.

National Development Planning Commission (2009). Guidelines for the preparation of the District monitoring and evaluation plan, under the Medium-Term Development Policy Framework (2010-2013); Accra; NDPC.

National Development Planning Commission (2014). Guidelines for the preparation of the District monitoring and evaluation plan, under the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda (GSGDA II) 2014-2017. Accra; NDPC.

Neuman L. W. (2012). Basics of social research: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (3rd ed.). New Jersey; Pearson.

Ofosu, S. & Ntiamoah, E. B. (2016). Assessing community involvement in monitoring and evaluation of development projects. The case of the Kwahu West Municipal Assembly, Ghana. Bristish Journal of Education, Society and Behavioural Science, 14, pp.1-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/BJESBS/2016/22168

Otieno, F. A. (2000). The roles of monitoring and evaluation in projects. Florida, South Africa: in-house publishing.

Oxford Policy Management. (2013). A framework for analysing participation in development. Oslo, Norway: Norad Evaluation Department.

Parfitt, T. (2007). The ambiguity of participation: A qualified defense of participatory development, Third World Quarterly. 25(3), pp. 537-555. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0143659042000191429

Pretty, J. (1995). Participatory learning for sustainable agriculture. World Development, 23 (8), pp.1247–1263 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-750X(95)00046-F

Qiu, W., & Kumar, R. (2006). Decentralized failure diagnosis of discrete event systems. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics-Part A: Systems and Humans, 36(2), pp.384-395. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TSMCA.2005.853503

Sana, M. C. (2011). Decentralization and the politics of participation: A case of project planning and implementation in Asutifi District. Kumasi: KNUST.

White, S. C. (1996) Depoliticising development: The uses and abuses of participation. Development in Practice, 6 (1), pp.6–15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0961452961000157564

Work, R. (2002). Overview of decentralization worldwide: a steppingstone to improved governance and human development. York; Routledge Taylor and Francis Group.