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54 Introduction This chapter will discuss elements of monitoring and evaluation (M&E). The elements discussed here should make you not only aware of what monitoring and evaluation is about but also enable you to develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks, plans and systems. Remember that M&E frameworks are just frameworks, therefore, what makes M&E systems operational is the commitment and discipline to work schedules. “M&E information is only useful if it is used.” This statement suggests that M&E will not contribute to decision-making and operations of an organisation unless there is a deliberate process to use it. Consequently, it is befitting to start this chapter with a discussion on readiness for M&E. Organisation’s Readiness for Monitoring and Evaluation Before an organisation or institution decides to set up an M&E plan or system, readiness assessment has to be conducted. Always remember that “prior preparation prevents poor performance.” M&E can be a daunting task which organisations should not underrate. Let us now turn to the definition of monitoring and evaluation readiness. Monitoring and evaluation readiness refers to organisations’ preparedness to use monitoring and evaluation data for decision-making and act on recommendation to improve action and project management. Scholars have described readiness for evaluation or ‘valuing evaluation’ as a necessary condition for evaluation use in an organisation (Struder, 1978; Smith, 1992). Therefore, before setting up the monitoring and evaluation system, organisations must ascertain their readiness in terms of culture and values for M&E, human capacities, financial resources, organisational structures to support monitoring and evaluation. In order to be more comprehensive in assessing organisation readiness for monitoring and evaluation, markers such as these in a check list below, can aid in the assessment of readiness. Exhibit 1: Example of Organization readiness for M&E Indicators Readiness indicators Qualified and adequate human capacities Adequate stakeholder supported budget Clear organisational structure supporting M&E activities Clear purpose for setting up M&E system Positive staff attitudes towards M&E activities