Monitoring, evaluation and learning for fragile states and peacebuilding programs: Practical tools for improving program performance and results

This toolkit offers a structured approach for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

It includes a seven-step performance management framework, illustrative indicators, and twenty-four practical tools.

This toolkit, developed by Social Impact with support from USAID, offers comprehensive tools and approaches for enhancing monitoring, evaluation, and learning in fragile and conflict-affected environments. It provides M&E practitioners with both conceptual frameworks and practical tools to improve the performance and impact of peacebuilding and development programmes in volatile and unstable contexts. The guide is particularly useful for programmes facing challenges such as limited data, security risks, and rapidly changing environments.

Key features

• Seven-step framework for performance management: The guide offers a step-by-step approach for developing a Performance Management Plan (PMP), covering objective clarification, indicator selection, tool adaptation, and data analysis.
• Illustrative indicators: The resource provides a set of outcome and output indicators for various areas of peacebuilding and fragile state programming, such as conflict mitigation, reintegration of ex-combatants, and transparency in governance. These indicators help practitioners measure progress and results in difficult environments.
• ME&L toolkit: The guide includes 24 practical tools, such as action evaluation, appreciative inquiry, conflict mapping, focus groups, conflict mapping, indicators worksheet, sample TORs, ME&L system checklist, and sampling basics. Each tool is accompanied by a detailed explanation of its purpose, advantages, disadvantages, and step-by-step instructions for use.
• Participatory and context-sensitive approaches: Emphasising the use of participatory methods and locally adapted tools, the guide highlights the importance of involving communities and local organisations in the monitoring and evaluation process to enhance learning and sustainability.

How would you use the resource?

M&E practitioners working in fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCV) can use this guide to design and implement effective ME&L systems tailored to the complex challenges of these environments. The practical tools and indicators provided can be used to develop performance management plans, measure project results, and ensure that programmes are adaptable to dynamic and volatile contexts. The guide is also useful for conducting participatory evaluations that engage local communities and ensure conflict-sensitive interventions.

Why are we recommending it?

This resource is recommended for its practical, hands-on tools designed specifically for fragile and conflict-affected contexts. It offers clear, adaptable methods to ensure that peacebuilding and development interventions are effectively monitored and evaluated, even in the most challenging environments. Its emphasis on participatory methods and context-specific indicators makes it especially valuable for M&E practitioners aiming to achieve meaningful, sustainable outcomes in FCV settings.