EFFECT OF PARTICIPATORY MONITORING AND EVALUATION ON PROJECT SUSTAINABILITY: A CASE OF HEAR SUDAN PROJECT

Abstract

The study examined the effect of participatory monitoring and evaluation on project sustainability, a case study of HEAR Sudan project. The purpose of the study was to establish ways and methods to improve project monitoring and sustainability. The objectives of the study were; to examine the effect of empowerment of stakeholders on project sustainability; to assess the effect of improved public accountability and resource use on project sustainability; and to examine the effect of improved information provision for strategic planning on project sustainability. A cross sectional survey design methodology was used with a study population of 55 and a sample of 52 selected for data collection. Data collection methods included structured questionnaires and face to face interviews. Findings indicated a positive relationship between empowerment of stakeholders, and improved public accountability and resource use with project sustainability. Further, the results showed a positive relationship between improved information provision for strategic planning and project sustainability. The study concludes that the effect of empowerment of stakeholders on project sustainability and the effect of improved information provision on project sustainability are low to account for project sustainability on their own other factors are needed to act alongside them. Further it concludes that the effect of improved public accountability and resource use on project sustainability is moderate at only 20% accounting for project sustainability. The study recommends that project implementation and monitoring should include participatory involvement of stakeholders for empowerment of stakeholders to take action. Secondly, project monitoring and implementation should include planning and accounting mechanisms for community stakeholders, and lastly information gathered during monitoring and evaluation should be shared with communities as participatory monitoring and evaluation should be encouraged to promote project sustainability