Influence of monitoring and evaluation systems on the performance of projects in non-governmental organizations: a case of development projects in Gitega, Burundi

Abstract

The study strived to establish the impact of M&E systems on the performance that are implemented by non-governmental organizations in Gitega province, Burundi. The study was guided by four v specific objectives that included to examine how organizational structures for M&E influences performance of non-governmental projects; to evaluate the extent to which human capacity for M&E influences performance of non-governmental projects; to determine how project M&E plan influence performance of non-governmental projects; to evaluate the degree to which costed work plan for M&E determines the performance of non-governmental projects and intends to benefit public organizations, government institutions and NGOs to contribute to Burundi’s vision for 2040 and 2060. As informing theories, this study used three main theories: Resource allocation, Accountability and change. Survey design was applied in order to simplify and facilitate ease of discernment of the purpose concerning the issues of the study. A target audience of 16 nongovernmental organizations that were in operation in Gitega province was identified. Yamane (1967)’s formula was identified and applied to determine the sample size of 11 non-governmental organizations and 55 participants. The study employed both secondary as well as primary data whereby primary data was gathered by the use of structured questionnaires that were administered by the researcher. Interview guide was also used to gather qualitative data from key informants. Statistical package for Social Sciences as well as excel were used for computation, calculation and analysis of collected data. Descriptive and inferential statistics was generated and used for interpretation of the nature of relationship between the predictor variables and the dependent variables. The qualitative data collected from interview was presented in a descriptive form and analyzed through context analysis whereby data was processed and the result presented following the narrative form. Monitoring and evaluations systems were found to have a consequential as well as central influence on the performance of non-governmental organizations projects in Gitega, Burundi. Correlation analysis indicated that there is a positive as well as strong association between M&E systems and the performance of development programs that are sponsored by the NGOs. Organizational structure had a correlation of (r=0.841, p=0.000), human capacity (r=0.792, p=0.000), M&E plan (r=0.642, p=0.000) and costed work plan (r=0.707, p=0.000). In conclusion the study recommended that managers and administrators of disparate. NGOs should put more effort in enhancing the capacity of the project team. M&E plan has been identified as vital in ensuring improved performance and sustainability of development projects provided by NGOs. Additionally, lack of sufficient financial resources will have a negative effect on the performance of the projects by NGOs. Before the commencement of monitoring and evaluation process, organizations should ensure that M&E activities are properly and sufficiently financed.