Back to: Environmental Biology 400 Level
Welcome to class!
Imagine planting hundreds of trees in a reforestation project. Two years later, how do you know if the trees are still growing? Or whether the project is achieving its goals? This is where Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER) come in. These three tools help us track progress, measure results, and communicate impact—ensuring that environmental projects are not just launched, but successfully managed and improved over time.
Monitoring, Evaluation, And Reporting
What is Monitoring?
Monitoring is the continuous and systematic collection of information during a project’s implementation. It helps track whether activities are happening as planned and whether resources are being used efficiently.
For instance, if a government agency starts a programme to clean up the Lagos Lagoon, monitoring might involve regular testing of water quality, recording how many waste bins are installed, and checking if boats are following new pollution rules.
What is Evaluation?
Evaluation is a more in-depth process that happens at specific stages—often mid-project or at the end. It assesses how effective the project has been in achieving its goals, what worked, what didn’t, and why. Evaluation focuses on outcomes and impact.
Using the same lagoon example, an evaluation would ask: Has the water quality improved? Are fish populations increasing? Are local communities benefiting?
What is Reporting?
Reporting is the process of communicating findings from monitoring and evaluation to stakeholders—such as funders, government officials, community members, and the general public. Reports should be clear, factual, and helpful in guiding future decisions.
In our example, the findings about water quality, policy enforcement, and community impact would be compiled into a report shared with all relevant bodies and possibly the media.
Importance of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
Ensures transparency and accountability
Helps identify problems early and correct them
Measures the effectiveness and efficiency of environmental interventions
Builds trust with stakeholders and funders
Supports learning and continuous improvement
Example from Nigeria: Great Green Wall Initiative
This project aims to combat desertification across Northern Nigeria. Monitoring tracks the number of trees planted, Evaluation checks the survival rates and soil health improvements, and Reporting informs the government and international partners about success and areas for improvement.
Summary
- Monitoring tracks project progress through regular data collection.
- Evaluation assesses a project’s effectiveness, outcomes, and impact.
- Reporting communicates project results to stakeholders clearly and transparently.
- MER promotes learning, accountability, and improved project design.
- The Great Green Wall in Nigeria uses MER to guide its fight against desertification.
Evaluation
- Define Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting.
- Why is monitoring important in environmental projects?
- Describe the role of evaluation using an example.
- How does reporting support transparency?
- Share one example of a Nigerian project that uses MER.
You’re doing amazing! By mastering Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting, you’re developing the skills to lead real change and ensure our environment thrives for future generations. Keep shining—Afrilearn believes in your journey!