DFAT Practise Note – Remote Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

Summary of publication

The increased difficulty of accessing remote locations due to multiple factors including COVID, conflict and natural disasters means that DFAT needs to use new approaches to program delivery and monitoring and evaluation (M&E). This has created an opportunity to trial new ways of working and to potentially identify remote approaches which are more efficient, with a greater focus on critical information for decision making and increasing local input. However, this has also created some additional risks for DFAT where M&E systems cannot be implemented as before the pandemic, such as reduced quality and availability of information, reduced program oversight, and lack of visibility of emerging issues.

This practice note provides practical and useful advice for DFAT staff and implementing partners as to how and when to use remote M&E in their programs. It provides advice tailored to the context of the Australian Development Program, drawing on the current literature and experiences of both Australia and other development partners.