Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
The M&E Unit is responsible for coordination and provision of ME&L technical guidance and support at the institutional level to IITA Management, Hubs, CGIAR research programs and project levels.
The Unit is guided by the following terms of reference:
- Guide the conduct of ME&L across all projects and programs of the institute. Provide technical backstopping to IITA Strategic and CRP projects.
- Contribute to data aggregation and alignment functions of lITA’s Institutional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and the CGIAR System Level
- Institutionalize Management Information Systems (MIS) and manage the automation of M&E processes in IITA. (IITA MEL Dashboard, MARLO, CLARISA, OBB)
- Conduct midterm evaluation of IITA projects in HQ and hubs using OECD evaluation criteria e.g. impact, sustainability, relevance, efficiency and effectiveness and provide recommendations to senior management and project managers.
- Lead the IITA ME&L-CoP team activities that includes M&E professionals and focal persons of hubs or other projects. Represent IITA on the CGIAR M&E groups, and regional M&E communities of practice.
ONE CGIAR
Currently the CGIAR is restructuring into ONE CGIAR with shared services. A new strategy and results framework (2022-2030) has been initiated to guide the process. The notion of shared support services on results and performance-based management is to provide support to all the three action areas:
- System Transformation
- Resilient Agrifood systems
- Genetic innovation.
Our vision is to become a center of excellence in M&E that would conduct research and provide technical M&E support and guidance to contribute to ONE CGIAR at global, regional and country levels.
Project Support
The ME&L Unit provides the following services to projects
- Theory of Change and Impact Pathways
- Logical / Result Frameworks
- Constructing Performance Indicators
- Baseline Studies
- Household surveys / Evaluation Studies
- ME&L Strategy Development
- Learning Agenda
- MIS Support
- ME&L Training
Monitoring Evaluation and learning Community of practice (ME&L CoP):
The ME&L-CoP was formed in 2014 with 12 project M&E specialists/officers across the four hubs. These M&E experts joined seven project managers and seven staff of the M&E Unit to organize the first M&E summit in 2015. ME&L-CoP membership grew to 15 M&E specialists/officers in 2018. After a period of inactivity, it was rejuvenated in 2019 and it has now grown to 24 members in 2020. The ME&L-CoP is guided by the following principles:
- Monthly virtual meetings
- Yearly Summit (face-to-face)
- Joint Monitoring and Evaluation of IITA’s Key Performance Indicators
- Sharing ideas on ME&L Tools, Methods and processes
- Linkage with CGIAR MELCOP and Impact Assessment COP
- Capacity Building activities
- Common Performance Management Standard
- Joint Proposal Writing.
ME&L Strategy
In line with IITA’s 2012–2020 refreshed strategy, the M&E strategy is aimed at building M&E capacity within IITA and to service Scientists, Project Managers, and Senior Management on all aspects of M&E.
Evaluations
KPI Surveys: Project data
Tracks project performance against key indicators. Supports accurate reporting and informed decisions..
Hub based farm households survey
Collect data on farming practices and livelihoods. Guides better research and development interventions.
Midterm evaluations
Reviews project progress, results, and challenges. Provides recommendations for improved performance.
Impact stories
Highlights how IITA’s work transforms lives. Shares measurable results and community experiences.
Resources
Other MEL Documents
Learning papers / videos
IITA-MEL Dashboard
The objective of IITA-MEL Dashboard is to provide a system to monitor and aggregate project data (planned and reported) based on Key Performance Indicators.