Effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation units in government ministries in Tanzania: a case study of the ministry of education and vocational training

This study set out to explore the effectiveness of the Monitoring and Evaluation Units (M&Es) in promoting development program in Government ministries in Tanzania, using a case study of the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training. The study sought to attain the following objectives: First find out if the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training has monitoring and evaluation framework, second to evaluate implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation strategies, third to assess the nature of activities carried out by Monitoring and Evaluation Unit in the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, fourth to assess effectiveness of Monitoring and Evaluation Units and the fifth objective was to identify the challenges of Monitoring and Evaluation Unit. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches of data collection. The instruments of data collection were questionnaires, interview and focus group discussion. The sample of the study included 50 people composed of M&E senior and junior officer, Principal Education Officer working within the department, as well as donor and head teachers and teachers as beneficiary. The findings from the study indicated that Monitoring and Evaluation Units were not effective in promoting success of development program in the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training. This was due to the fact that the process faced many challenges such that it was not operating as per the Monitoring and Evaluation set standards. The main challenge was the absence of monitoring and evaluation framework which normally tells what, how and when to do monitoring and evaluation. Other challenges include inadequate budget, and trained human resources to carry out monitoring and evaluation activities. Also less priority was given to monitoring and evaluation activities by politicians and other government officials. Conclusively monitoring and evaluation unit needs to be given full autonomy in conducting its activities. The study recommends for enhancement of capacity of monitoring and evaluation. The M&E Unit should be positioned independently with its own Director contrary to the current practice where it is under Policy and Planning Director. This is necessary since it will make the M&E activities more effective.Avaialble in print form