Institutionalization of Monitoring and Evaluation Systems to Improve Public Sector Management

A growing number of countries are pursuing a results orientation by building or strengthening their government monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems. This paper provides an overview of the increasingly rich body of experience with these efforts. The dimensions of a successful government M&E system are considered, using Chile as an example. Success factors and mistakes to avoid are examined. Finally, the special case of Africa is outlined. This paper includes the following headings: introduction; what does success look like - the case of Chile; country capacities - for what; lessons from experience - success factors for building country M&E systems; key trends influencing country realities - a donor perspective; the special case of Africa; and conclusions and challenges for the future