Participatory monitoring and evaluation and performance of food security projects. a case of Wau Municipality Western Bahr el Ghazel State, South Sudan

Abstract

Participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) is intended to involve stakeholders in monitoring, reviewing and using project information so that implementation remains responsive to local needs. This study examined participatory monitoring and evaluation and the performance of food security projects in Wau Municipality, Western Bahr el Ghazal State, South Sudan. Specifically, the study assessed stakeholder inclusivity and engagement, examined participatory M&E practices, and evaluated accountability mechanisms in relation to food security project performance. A mixed-methods approach was adopted using descriptive and correlational research designs. The target population for the study was 80 stakeholders and 66 respondents were selected using the Krejcie and Morgan sample-size table, with cluster and purposive sampling used to identify respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered through Kobo Collect and key informant interviews, and quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, descriptive statistics, and correlation and regression analysis in SPSS. All 66 questionnaires/interviews were returned, giving a 100% response rate. The detailed objective-level results showed a positive association between stakeholder inclusivity/engagement and food security project performance (r = .39, p = .007). The relationship reported for participatory M&E practices and project performance was weak and not statistically significant (r = .049, p = .695), while the relationship between accountability mechanisms and project performance was also reported as not statistically significant (r = .65, p = .604). Respondents nevertheless identified communication gaps, inadequate resources, limited M&E capacity, and challenges in accountability and feedback as important implementation concerns. The findings indicate that stakeholder engagement should be treated as an important component of food security project monitoring and implementation, while participatory M&E and accountability arrangements require clearer indicators, adequate resources, regular feedback mechanisms and stronger institutional arrangements. The study contributes empirical evidence from Wau Municipality, where research on participatory M&E in food security and livelihood projects remains limited.