Module 1: Introduction to M&E in Agriculture

• Understanding M&E Concepts: Core definitions of monitoring and evaluation, their distinctions, and why they are critical for agricultural development.
• The Role of M&E: How M&E supports project management, accountability, learning, and decision-making in agricultural programs.
• M&E in the Project Lifecycle: Integrating M&E activities from project design to implementation and closure.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Common challenges in M&E for agricultural projects, such as data quality and remote sensing , and emerging opportunities.
• Practical session: Mapping M&E Roles and Responsibilities: A group exercise to define the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in an agricultural M&E system.

Module 2: M&E Frameworks and Approaches

• Logic Models and Theory of Change: Developing a program's causal pathway from inputs to outcomes and impact.
• Results Frameworks: Creating a structured framework to articulate and track a project's intended results.
• Logical Framework Analysis (LFA): A systematic approach to planning and M&E that links project activities to verifiable objectives.
• Participatory M&E (PM&E): An approach that involves project beneficiaries in the M&E process to promote ownership and sustainability.
• Practical session: Developing a Theory of Change: Participants will work in groups to develop a Theory of Change for a sample agricultural project.

Module 3: Designing M&E Systems for Agricultural Projects

• Steps in M&E System Design: A step-by-step guide to designing a comprehensive M&E system, including needs assessment and stakeholder analysis.
• Key Components of an M&E System: The essential elements of a functional M&E system, such as reporting protocols and data flow.
• Baseline Studies: Understanding the importance of establishing a baseline to measure change and impact effectively.
• M&E Work Plans and Budgets: Creating a realistic plan and budget for M&E activities.
• Practical session: Designing an M&E Plan: Participants will work through a case study to design a complete M&E plan for an agricultural project.

Module 4: Developing M&E Indicators and Data Collection Tools

• Types of Indicators: Differentiating between output, outcome, and impact indicators and their role in measuring progress.
• Criteria for Good Indicators: Learning the characteristics of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) indicators.
• Designing Data Collection Tools: Creating effective survey questionnaires, interview guides, and observation checklists.
• Data Sources and Methods: Exploring various data collection methods, including surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews.
• Practical session: Developing Indicators and Tools: Participants will draft a set of indicators for a given project and create a corresponding data collection tool.

Module 5: Data Management and Analysis for M&E

• Data Quality Assurance: Ensuring data is accurate, reliable, and valid through data cleaning and validation techniques.
• Data Entry and Management Systems: Introduction to simple data management systems and databases.
• Quantitative Data Analysis: Basic statistical analysis for M&E, including descriptive statistics and trend analysis.
• Qualitative Data Analysis: Thematic analysis and coding of qualitative data from interviews and focus groups.
• Practical session: Analyzing Project Data: Using a sample dataset, participants will perform basic quantitative and qualitative analysis to identify key findings.

Module 6: Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Performance Monitoring vs. Evaluation: Clarifying the distinct purposes and methods of ongoing monitoring and periodic evaluation.
• Progress Reporting: Writing clear, concise, and results-oriented progress reports for stakeholders and donors.
• Monitoring Field Activities: Techniques for monitoring agricultural activities, such as crop yields , water usage, and livestock health.
• Feedback Loops: Establishing systems for using monitoring data to make real-time adjustments and improvements to the project.
• Practical session: Developing a Monitoring Report: Participants will practice writing a concise performance monitoring report based on a provided case study.

Module 7: Evaluation in Agricultural Projects

• Types of Evaluation: Understanding different types of evaluation, including formative, summative, and impact evaluations.
• Designing an Evaluation: Key steps in planning an evaluation, from defining the scope to developing an evaluation matrix.
• Evaluation Questions and Methods: Formulating strong evaluation questions and selecting appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Ethical Considerations in Evaluation: Addressing ethical issues such as informed consent, confidentiality, and data security.
• Practical session: Drafting an Evaluation Plan: Participants will work in groups to design a simple evaluation plan for a given agricultural project.

Module 8: Communicating M&E Findings

• Targeting the Audience: Tailoring communication to different stakeholders, including farmers, government officials, and donors.
• Data Visualization: Using charts, graphs, and infographics to present data clearly and compellingly.
• Writing an M&E Report: Structuring and writing a comprehensive final M&E report.
• Dissemination Strategies: Developing a plan to effectively share M&E findings through various channels, such as presentations, policy briefs, and community meetings.
• Practical session: Creating a Data Visualization: Participants will use a dataset to create visual representations of key findings and present them to the class.

Module 9: Integrating Technology in M&E

• Mobile Data Collection Tools: Introduction to using mobile applications (e.g., KoboToolbox, ODK) for efficient and accurate data collection in the field.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Using GIS for mapping project locations, tracking interventions, and analyzing spatial data in agriculture.
• Remote Sensing and Satellite Imagery: Utilizing satellite data for monitoring crop health, land use changes, and agricultural expansion.
• Data Dashboards: Creating real-time data dashboards to visualize project progress and facilitate quick decision-making.
• Practical session: Using a Mobile Data Collection Tool: Participants will get hands-on experience using a mobile tool to design a simple survey and collect data.

Module 10: M&E for Sustainable Agricultural Development

• Linking M&E to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Aligning agricultural projects with global and national sustainable development targets.
• Measuring Environmental and Social Impact: Developing indicators to monitor the environmental and social effects of agricultural interventions.
• Sustainability and M&E: The role of M&E in ensuring the long-term viability and impact of agricultural projects.
• Learning and Adaptive Management: Using M&E as a tool for continuous learning and adapting project strategies to changing contexts.
• Practical session: Developing Sustainability Indicators: In a group exercise, participants will develop a set of indicators to measure the social and environmental sustainability of an agricultural project.

Requirements:

Participants should be reasonably proficient in English.

Applicants must live up to Armstrong Global Institute admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free

2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.

4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.

5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Armstrong Global Training & Development Center Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.

2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.

3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.

2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.

3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor Made Courses

This training course can also be customized for your institution upon request for a minimum of 5 participants. You can have it conducted at our Training Centre or at a convenient location. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588 or Email training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

Accommodation and Airport Transfer is arranged upon request and at extra cost. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588