Data Collection Methods for Monitoring and Evaluation

Abstract

Data collection is a critical component in the implementation of monitoring and evaluation strategies. It can be used to understand different trends, track progress of a project and demonstrate results for monitoring and evaluation. Researchers need to carefully plan and have knowledge on different methods that can be used in the monitoring and evaluation of projects, programmes and policies. The purpose of this chapter is to provide practical explanations of various data collection methods that can be used in monitoring and evaluation of projects. There is a wide variety of data collection methods available and the chapter has been written with the understanding that it is not possible to exhaust all the methods of collection for monitoring and evaluation of projects. To this end, references that point the reader to available resources on a number of methods especially the ones that may not be covered in this chapter are given.