Thesis:

Influence of monitoring and evaluation practices on the performance of world food programme projects in Juba, south Sudan

The efficacy of monitoring and evaluation practices in World Food Programme projects in South Sudan is a rising concern due to challenges in data collection and analysis, potentially leading to suboptimal performance. This highlights the necessity for further investigation and improvement. The study aimed to examine the influence of monitoring and evaluation practices on the performance of World Food Programme projects in Juba, South Sudan. The specific objectives were: to determine the influence of monitoring and evaluation planning practices; to establish the influence of monitoring and evaluation technical expertise utilization; to assess the influence of community-based monitoring; and to examine the influence of management participation in monitoring and evaluation activities on the performance of World Food Programme projects in Juba, South Sudan. The study’s significance lay in evaluating how monitoring and evaluation practices impacted World Food Programme projects in Juba, benefiting the organization, project beneficiaries, and the broader South Sudanese community through enhanced effectiveness, accountability, and resource allocation. The study was guided by the Resource Dependency Theory, the Theory of Planned Behavior, and Theory of Change. The application of these theories aimed to gain insights into the influence of resource dependency and management participation in monitoring and evaluation on the implementation of monitoring and evaluation practices in World Food Programme projects in Juba, South Sudan. A descriptive research design was employed to collect data from a sample of project managers and monitoring and evaluation officers involved in World Food Programme projects in Juba, South Sudan. The target population consisted of 113 employees from World Food Programme projects in Juba, South Sudan, including project managers and monitoring and evaluation officers. Both simple random and purposive sampling methods were used to select project managers and monitoring and evaluation officers, resulting in a sample of 86 respondents. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data underwent analysis, including descriptive and inferential statistics like Pearson correlations and regression analysis, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27. Results were displayed in tables, graphs, and charts. Qualitative data underwent textual analysis and was presented narratively. The World Food Programme’s monitoring and evaluation planning practices involve consultation and stakeholder engagement. A strong correlation between well-structured monitoring and evaluation planning and project performance was noted. Respondents were confident in the monitoring and evaluation team’s capabilities, especially in evaluations and data collection. The study found that monitoring and evaluation technical expertise utilization significantly enhanced project success. Community-based monitoring positively impacted performance, but statistical analysis complexities arose. Project management involvement correlated with better outcomes. Effective monitoring, evaluation, and findings communication were crucial at the World Food Programme. Recommendations included aligning indicators with objectives, investing in professional development, tailoring engagement strategies through detailed analysis, and ensuring efficient resource allocation and consistent project management. Further research on stakeholder engagement was suggested.