The role of monitoring and evaluation in promoting the performance of district- IDE development projects in Kinondoni municipality, Tanzania.

This study aimed at assessing the contribution of Monitoring and evaluation on the performance of District Wide Development Projects at Kinondoni Municipality, Tanzania. Specifically the study intended to investigating the nature and status of M&E; factors influencing the application of M&E; and to examine the contribution of M&E in implementing the District Wide Development Projects. The study employed qualitative case study approach as strategy for data collection, analysis and report writing. Data collection involved mainly key informant interview, focus group discussion and observation. It was conducted in three wards; Kijitonyama, Mbezi and Mabwepande wards. The number of respondents interviewed were 68 participants involving Technicians, economists, Members of the ward development committee, Members of the school board, Ward officers, Teachers, Nurses and Doctors. At every ward one focus group discussion was conducted involving 3 to 7 members. The study used literature information from various studies to see the recommended setting for an effective and efficient M&E system. The study found that there was little application of the required components for M&E system in the district. The M&E activity, among other things, had no specific budget; little knowledge of the staff in M&E skill; inadequate facilities and resources; insufficient information sharing mechanisms; and lack of M&E tool, policy and documentations. The research also revealed that M&E activity in the district was unable to justify impact and quality of the projects. The study recommends that in order to improve the functioning of M&E at District level, the Government should review its M&E system and requirement to strengthen M&E components.