Monitoring and evaluation practices and project performance of non-governmental organizations: a case study of Caritas Kasana Luwero.

Abstract

The study was about Monitoring and Evaluation Practices and Performance of Non-Governmental Organizations; A Case Study of Caritas Kasana Luwero. The study was guided by the following objectives; (i) To establish the relationship between stakeholder engagement and project performance at Caritas Kasana Luwero, (ii) To establish the relationship between M&E budgeting and project performance at Caritas Kasana Luwero, (iii) To determine how M&E plans influence project performance of non-governmental organizations projects at Caritas Kasana Luwero.The research design used was cross sectional survey design. A sample of 66 respondents was considered from Caritas Kasana Luwero, although 64 was the final sample used. The methodology used in this study was both qualitative and quantitative. The questionnaire and interview guide were the main instruments of data collection. The findings of the study revealed that Stakeholder involvement is a crucial factor in the implementation of M&E. The results thus indicate that 79.7% of the respondents generally agreed. Findings obtained revealed that 84.4% of the respondents agreed that Stakeholders are frequently involved in M&E of projects monthly, quarterly or yearly. The findings obtained revealed that 73.5% of the respondents agreed that all stakeholders at Caritas are significantly participating towards M&E and project success. The majority agreement suggests that the active involvement of stakeholders in M&E activities is perceived as beneficial and contributes to project success. Results of the findings revealed that 68.8% agreed that Project budgets provide a clear indication for monitoring and evaluation activities at Caritas Kasana Luwero. Results of the findings revealed that 86.6% of the respondents strongly agreed M&E costs for projects are easily identified and factored in the budget. The study found out that 84.4% agreed that the monitoring and evaluation plan is effective to achieve the project objective. The majority of the respondents in the study believed that the monitoring and evaluation plan is effective in achieving the project objective. The research findings on whether M&E plans consist of indicators that are clearly linked to the objectives of the project revealed that 3.1% of the respondents strongly disagreed, 10.9% were not sure, 43.8% agreed and 42.2% strongly agreed The study recommended that Caritas Kasana Luwero should establish a formalized stakeholder engagement strategy that outlines clear objectives, approaches, and communication channels for involving stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.