A model for the integrated and transversal monitoring and evaluation of rural development programmes implemented by the Limpopo Provincial Government in South Africa

Abstract

Literature indicates that there is a lack of an integrated approach to monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of interventions focusing on rural development, resulting in policy development and analyses not being supported, transparency and accountability on rural spending not enhanced and organisational learning not encouraged. In an effort to address the problem statement of the study (the lack of an integrated approach to the M&E of rural development as a multisectoral development intervention), the aim of the research was to develop a new model for the integrated and transversal M&E of rural development programmes to be implemented by government departments, and specifically within the provincial sphere of government in the Limpopo Province. The following research questions guided the study:  What are the critical elements of an integrated and transversal approach to the M&E of rural development, and  How can these critical elements be incorporated in a model for the integrated and transversal M&E of rural development within the context of the Limpopo Province? The research was an empirical study with the purpose to explore and describe. Case studies, as research design, were appropriate to obtain data and collect information through interactive methods to achieve the objectives and provide answers to the research questions. The research was conducted in six phases: (1) Theoretical framework, (2) Comparative case studies of Canada, Chile and Uganda, (3) Single case study of the South African national context, (4) Single case study of the Limpopo Provincial Government; (5) Interviews with key informants; and (6) Development of a model for the integrated and transversal M&E of rural development at provincial level (being the aim of this empirical study). Qualitative data was collected through document analysis, semi-structured interviews with key informants, and experience surveying. The key informants, who were sampled by applying purposive sampling, included M&E practitioners and rural development experts. The theoretical framework of the study contained the literature review of the M&E of rural development. The comparative case studies of Canada, Chile and Uganda indicated the lessons learned, from both a strength and limitation perspective, relating to the institutionalisation of M&E. The single case study of the South African national context gave an overview of the South African national context in respect of rural development, viz. the development of the Government-wide M&E System as a model for M&E and the M&E of rural development. The single case study of the Limpopo Provincial Government documented the institutionalisation of M&E within the framework of the GWMES model, rural development and the M&E of rural development in the Limpopo Province. Research findings were formulated based on the six phases of the research, including the interviews with key informants, and provide answers to the research questions. Critical elements of an integrated and transversal approach to the M&E of rural development were found to include the political, policy and legislative, and governance context of M&E, the coordination of M&E, a feedback mechanism, an organisational structure supporting M&E, the quality M&E data, performance indicators, a reporting system and the importance of evaluation and the necessity of interventions based on M&E findings. These should elements be incorporated into the follow components: (1) Strategic; (2) Institutional; (3) Planning; (4) Operational; (5) Data; (6) Analytical; (7) Reporting; (8) Evaluation; and (9) Intervention. The research findings contributed to the development of a new model for the M&E of rural development at provincial level. The foundation of the model is the integrated and transversal M&E of rural development in the Limpopo Province. To assist in the implementation of the model, supporting documentation was developed as well as an information technology element, which adds depth to the application of the model. The software allows the creation of an interactive Web page version of the model, which is potentially more visual, transparent, user-friendly and accessible than text-based models, amongst others. While a considerable amount of information is available on the concept and theories of M&E and rural development, there is an absence of models guiding the transversal and integrated M&E of rural development programmes. The study addressed the problem as defined in the problem statement, namely the lack of an integrated approach to the M&E of rural development as a multisectoral development intervention.