Monitoring and evaluation in food security projects primary purpose is to allow project teams to run projects effectively, ensuring they have the desired results for beneficiaries (ACF, 2011). There is an increased demand for results from donor funded projects in the 21st century (IIRR, 2012). However, the success of donor funded projects on food security intervention continues to face serious challenges. Due to these challenges, the projects have not been able to solve the perennial food shortages faced by communities in the arid and semi-arid areas. The purpose of this study was to find out the role of monitoring and evaluation practices to the success of donor funded food security intervention projects. The findings of this study should assist the food security project implementing agencies to recognize the role played by participatory monitoring and evaluation (P M & E) practices in the success and sustainability of the projects.
The study targeted residents of Kibwezi district who have benefited from donor funded food security projects. The study utilized a case study design because it was considered a robust research method particularly when a holistic and in-depth investigation is required. A sample of 40 respondents was selected from four Locations (Makindu, Nzambani, Masongaleni and Mtito Andei ) from the larger Kibwezi district through purposive sampling. Data was collected through a questionnaire with 10 questions where respondents indicated responses on statements in a Likert scale. Data from Semi structured interviews from key informants, focussed discussion groups and the government officers who had been involved in these projects were used for triangulation. Quantitative data collected was analysed using MS Excel 2010. The study established that the community was not involved in any monitoring and evaluation of the food security intervention projects. Participatory monitoring and evaluation in food security projects therefore contributes to the success of food security projects though it should be complemented with good project management skills. For P M & E to be applied to the projects, the projects implementing agencies should conduct trainings to the community to build up their capacity in understanding and participation in the monitoring and evaluation system.
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