Given Hapunda

12 Step 1: Identifying and engaging stakeholders Step 2: building stakeholders’ capacities in PM&E Step 3: Defining and agreeing on what to monitor and evaluate: objectives Step 8: reflection, sharing and using the results of PM&E Step 4: Developing and formulating indicators Step 5: Putting together the M&E system (M&E matrix) Step 6: gathering information, managing and analysing data Step 7: dissemination, learning and adjusting M&E plan Figure 2: Steps in conducting PM&E ( Adapted from Pali et al., 2005 ) This book is rich in examples of conducting participatory monitoring and evaluation that have been tried and tested in Sub-Saharan African settings and found to contribute significantly to improving outcomes of monitoring and evaluation. Overview of the Book The background and introduction, and history of monitoring and evaluation forms the first part of this book. In the background chapter (chapter 1), a rationale for the book is provided. It summarises the theoretical and conceptual issues guiding the process of conducting PM&E. This information provides the reader with a brief overview of the book. The second chapter of this part provides the introduction and history of monitoring and evaluation. This chapter by Mangoma, Mahlangu and Chikobvu provides an introductory and historical background chapter of this part of the handbook. Apart from defining M&E, the authors provides a historical trend of the development and utilisation of M&E in Africa. This chapter ends with a discussion on the state of monitoring and evaluation, and issues related to capacity building. The second part of the book discusses the foundation of M&E. The importance of defining objectives of projects through participatory methods (shared vision), developing theory of change that will guide how change will be realised in projects and how to manage projects so that they have impact are discussed in chapter three. This chapter by Mwango and Hapunda serves as not only the opening chapter of this part, but also the