Effectiveness of Monitoring and Evaluation of Constituency Development Fund Projects for Kitwe City Council

Abstract

The Constituency Development Fund has been viewed to be a vital tool in taking development closer to the people as it contributes highly to providing services to the people and developing the constituencies. However, the Fund has come under criticism as the projects implemented do not fully benefit the local people and lack of monitoring and evaluation also contributes to the substandard works of the projects. Therefore, the study’s purpose was to explore the Effectiveness of Monitoring and Evaluation of Constituency Development Fund Projects for Kitwe City Council. The study adopted an explanatory sequential mixed-method approach for its research approach and descriptive research design for its research design to have an in-depth understanding and interpretation of the findings. The study employed purposive sampling in the selection of the sample as the study targeted respondents who were believed to be involved and knowledgeable on CDF projects and monitoring and evaluation. Further, the study adopted descriptive statistics for analyzing the collected data. The findings revealed that the challenges that affected the effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation of CDF projects, 35.8% of the respondents indicated understaffing of monitoring and evaluation officers, 41.8% of the respondents indicated lack of logistics and 43.3% of the respondents indicated a lack of stakeholder participation. Further, factors that were identified to enhance the effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation of CDF projects according to the findings, 32.8% of the respondents indicated trained staff in monitoring and evaluation, 26.9% of the respondent's indicated availability of logistics and 55.2 of the respondents indicated community involvement in the monitoring and evaluation of CDF. Critical success factors were identified that could be applied to the implementation of the monitoring and evaluation process, 44.8% of the respondents indicated the technical capacity of members of staff and stakeholders, 43.3% of the respondents indicated budget allocation of monitoring and evaluation and 37.3% of the respondents indicated capacity building of key implementers. The study concluded that for the much-needed development to be seen and have an impact in the constituencies, there is a need to ensure that logistics are readily available, an adequate number of M and E staff, and full participation of stakeholders. From the findings, the study recommended that there is a need for adequate logistics that include transportation and data collection tools for the monitoring and evaluation team as this would facilitate access to project sites and enable efficient data collection. The other recommendation is investment in capacity building to enhance the skills and knowledge of staff and stakeholders involved in monitoring and evaluation activities. Further, there is a need for strengthened coordination and collaboration with different departments, agencies, and organizations involved in CDF projects for effective monitoring and evaluation. The study’s contribution to the body of knowledge is based on the challenges outlined, factors that would enhance the effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation of CDF projects and further bridging the knowledge gap on the effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation of CDF projects. The study further developed a framework for the effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation of CDF projects. Keywords: Constituency Development Fund, Monitoring and Evaluation