Browsing by Author "Nshimyimana, Brigitte"

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    Developing a results-based monitoring and evaluation system for the child support grants programme in Namibia
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-12) Nshimyimana, Brigitte; Rabie, Babette; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: Results-focused Monitoring and Evaluation (RBM&E) systems are critical to support informed strategic policy-making, planning, budgeting, management and improvement and informed reporting that contributes to accountability and integrity. The systematic development of an RBM&E system balances the demand for practical, accurate and reliable information to support policy and program implementation decisions with the accompanying cost and capacity implications of developing the system. A well-developed monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system requires proper planning, efficient management and sufficient resources for maintenance and sustainability. It is important that monitoring and evaluation systems are institutionalized to effectively support the long-term development mandates of the government so that the accepted results can be successfully delivered. Institutionalized M&E systems ensure consistent approaches to measuring development results and identifying any deviations. This study identifies a limitation in the available M&E data that measures the realized outcomes for the beneficiaries of cash transfer programs in support of child well-being in Namibia. The problem is addressed by (a) a literature review of concepts, theories and context for RBM&E systems that identify best practices that can be applied in the development of the RBM&E system for the child support grants (CSG) program; b) an assessment of the Namibian public sector RBM&E policy frameworks given international best practice guidelines in the development of such systems; c) identifying the mechanisms and intended results of cash transfer programs, including the objectives, implementation plan and intended child welfare outcomes; (d) a historical overview of child support monitoring and evaluation practices in the Namibian context; e) the assessment of the applicability of the existing RBM&E system for the CSG program as administered by the relevant Ministry; (f) the development of an improved RBM&E system for the child support grant program in Namibia and similar contexts; and (g) further recommendations for policy makers, administrative officers and academic researchers contributing to the improvement of RBM&E systems for child sensitive cash transfer programs. The study adopts an exploratory, descriptive and explanatory qualitative design given the specific aim and objectives. A comprehensive review of the existing M&E processes in the public sector development programs is supported by an analysis of the intended outcomes of cash transfer programs that promote child well-being. Existing indicators and theories of change that focus on the desired improvement in child welfare are analyzed. The empirical part of the study assesses the suitability of the existing RBM&E for the CSG program as currently in operation in the Namibian Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare. The study lead to the development of an improved RBM&E system for the CSG program in Namibia and similar contexts. The improved RBM&E system is further improved by input from specifically selected program managers and officers from the Directorate: Social Protection who are responsible for the implementation of the CSG programme, as well as managers and officers from the Directorate: Policy Planning and Research who are responsible for M&E in the Ministry. The proposed RBM&E system for the CSG program in Namibia provides valuable insight for cash transfer programs supporting child welfare in similar contexts. The study describes in detail the steps for the development of an RBM&E system, the creation of institutional support, the development of outcome-oriented indicators, requirements for data collection, verification and storage as well as reporting, the application of M&E information and creating sufficient financial and further capacity for the successful implementation of the RBM&E system.