M & E of Agricultural Development Programmes

Appraisal, Monitoring and Evaluation

A distinction is commonly made between the three activities of appraisal, monitoring and
evaluation.

In development terminologies, appraisal is usually taken to mean a critical examination of

a proposal of a programme or project normally before the latter is approved for implementation
and funding.

Monitoring can be broadly defined as frequent, routine wise collection, analysis and
reporting of information about the performance of the work in a programme or project,
comparison of with the project plans or programme proposals for any corrective action. Thus
monitoring aims at meeting information requirements for current programme and project
management.

Monitoring can also be defined as the systematic process of observing and recording on a regular
basis, the activities carried out in a project, to ensure that the activities are in line with the
objectives of the project.

Monitoring Vs Evaluation

Basis For Comparison Monitoring Evaluation

Meaning Monitoring refers to a routine Evaluation is a sporadic

process, that examines the
activities and progress of the
project and also identifies
bottlenecks during the process
Related to Observation
activity that is used to draw
conclusion regarding the
relevance and effectiveness of
the project or program.
Judgement

Occurs at Operational level Business level

Process Short term Long term

Focuses on Improving efficiency Improving effectiveness

Conducted by Internal Party Internal or External Party

Required for immediate use Used for future planning

for mid course correction (learning process)