The politics of monitoring and evaluation: Implications for evidence generation and use

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in conservation efforts, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, is not merely a technical process but also a political one that shapes how performance evidence is generated and utilized. Research reveals that M&E is often aligned to meet donor requirements rather than local needs, with political leaders engaging in monitoring for electoral benefits. This study, conducted across three Ugandan national parks and neighboring communities using qualitative methods such as interviews and participant observation, highlights the need to acknowledge both the positive and negative implications of M&E politics to achieve its objectives effectively.

Ochen-Ochen, I. (2025). The politics of monitoring and evaluation: Implications for evidence generation and use. African Evaluation Journal, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.4102/aej.v13i1.792