Assessing The Influence of Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation in Social Welfare Program Outcomes: A Case of National Drought Management Authority in Makueni County, Kenya.

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) on social welfare program outcomes, focusing on the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) in Makueni County, Kenya. PME has been increasingly recognized as a critical tool for enhancing the effectiveness of development programs, particularly by engaging communities and stakeholders in evaluating and improving social welfare initiatives. However, there remained limited empirical research detailing how PME practices directly impacted program outcomes in drought-prone regions like Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL). This research aimed to address that gap by examining PME processes within NDMA programs and their effect on food security, poverty alleviation, and resilience to drought. The study was guided by these objectives: examine the PME practices used by NDMA, assess the influence of these PME practices in improving social welfare program outcomes, identify challenges in implementing PME, and provide recommendations for enhancing PME practices. The theoretical framework drew upon three relevant theories, the theory of change (ToC), social capital theory, and empowerment theory, which offered insights into different aspects of PME and its implications for social welfare program outcomes. Additionally, the ToC was used to map out the pathways from PME interventions to desired outcomes, ensuring that stakeholders understood the logic behind NDMA’s programs and that assumptions were continuously tested and refined. The study used a descriptive research design and surveyed 150 participants, including NDMA staff, county implementing partners, and community members. A total of 138 participants responded to surveys, and five in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants. Quantitative surveys were employed to measure perceptions of PME practices, while qualitative interviews explored challenges and successes in PME implementation. Document analysis provided additional context through the examination of NDMA reports and program evaluations. The findings revealed that PME practices, such as community meetings, feedback mechanisms, and joint decision-making, positively influenced program outcomes by improving resource allocation, accountability, and community engagement. However, challenges such as inadequate training, insufficient resources, and stakeholder resistance were identified as obstacles to effective PME. The study concluded that PME contributed significantly to enhancing social welfare programs by empowering communities and strengthening social accountability. Empowerment theory highlighted how PME increased community ownership, control over decision-making, and resilience in drought-prone areas. Social capital theory explains how PME fostered stronger relationships and networks within and between communities, enhancing the sustainability of interventions. This research provided valuable insights into the role of PME in improving the efficiency and sustainability of social welfare programs in Makueni County and similar ASAL regions. It recommended strengthening capacity-building efforts, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and integrating technology to improve PME practices. These findings aim to inform policymakers and practitioners, offering strategies to increase the long-term success of social welfare interventions in drought-prone regions.