Approaches to remote monitoring in fragile states

The report discusses approaches to remote monitoring in fragile states, including general lessons learned, ICT and big data applications, and management-based approaches.

It highlights practical tools, applications, and challenges in implementing effective remote monitoring systems.

Key content

Key takeaways from the resource include:

Overview

In this research report, Price (2017) examines various approaches to remote monitoring in fragile states, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities associated with these methods. It highlights the significance of utilizing information and communication technologies (ICT) and big data, as well as management-based approaches to enhance monitoring effectiveness. The report aims to provide practical tools and insights to improve remote monitoring systems in conflict-affected and fragile environments.

General lessons learned for remote monitoring

• Accountability and transparency: The report underscores the importance of building accountability networks with local stakeholders and maintaining transparency with both donors and beneficiaries. Effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) should be integrated into the program framework from the planning phase and should be relevant to the program's needs.
• Standardization and capacity building: A minimum standard of clear, simple, and predetermined indicators is necessary for effective M&E. The report advocates for building partnerships for third-party monitoring, investing in data collection and analysis software, and developing specific monitoring capacities separate from program implementation.
• Sharing and validation: Monitoring reports should be shared with partners to validate work and justify M&E activities. This ensures that monitoring systems are consistent and that lessons learned can be applied across programs.

ICT and big data enabled approaches

• Potential contributions: ICTs and big data can support rapid and near real-time monitoring, systematic tracking of indicators, and cost savings. They enable the collection of diverse data types, including sounds, pictures, and videos, which can help analyze the complexity of conflicts from different perspectives.
• Practical applications: Key technological applications for remote monitoring include handheld devices for digital data collection, mobile phone-based feedback mechanisms, remote sensing with satellites, and broadcasting with radios. These technologies can improve data quality, reduce time delays, and enhance collaboration.
• Challenges and mitigations: The report identifies challenges such as systematic bias, selection bias, privacy and security concerns, and logistical issues. It recommends strategies to mitigate these challenges, including involving all users actively, establishing informed consent practices, and using security-conscious software.

Management based approaches

• Third-Party Monitoring (TPM): TPM involves contracting third parties to collect and verify monitoring data. It provides independent "eyes and ears" on the ground and allows for more frequent and cost-efficient field monitoring. However, TPM also poses risks, such as quality of reporting, reputational risks, and significant risk transfer to field monitors.
• Best practices for TPM: The report highlights best practices for successful TPM, including investing time and resources in setting up and maintaining TPM systems, keeping expectations modest, using technological devices for increased control, and coordinating TPM efforts among multiple actors. Regular reassessment of TPM and its alternatives is crucial to ensure its effectiveness.
• Complexity-aware monitoring: Complexity-aware monitoring complements traditional performance monitoring by addressing outcomes outside those desired by project planners, alternative causes of outcomes, and feedback loops. It is particularly suitable for projects in dynamic and complex environments.
• Iterative Beneficiary Monitoring (IBM): The World Bank's IBM system in Mali is highlighted as a low-cost, rapid feedback mechanism that collects information directly from beneficiaries. IBM helps improve project results gradually and quickly without lengthy and expensive evaluations, making it an effective tool for remote monitoring in fragile states.