Monitoring and Evaluation of Government Agricultural Investment Projects in Laos
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/jap.3366Keywords:
Agricultural investment, Project Evaluation, Monitoring and Evaluation, Sustainability,, Government Support.Abstract
Purpose: This study examines the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of government-funded agricultural investment projects in Laos. It aims to assess their relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability using the OECD/DAC framework, and to identify key challenges and opportunities for improving project performance and long-term outcomes.
Methodology: A mixed-methods approach was applied. Quantitative data were collected from 110 respondents, including project officers, M&E officers, data officers, and volunteers. Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 15 project managers. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to evaluate project performance across OECD/DAC criteria.
Findings: The projects showed strong alignment with national priorities (Mean = 3.65) but weak alignment with beneficiary needs (Mean = 2.74). Effectiveness (Mean = 3.02–3.50) and efficiency (Mean = 2.96–3.11) were moderate, constrained by unclear objectives, weak M&E, and delayed budget disbursement. Environmental and social mitigation actions were positively rated (Mean = 3.66), while long-term impact remained uncertain (Mean ≈ 3.23). Sustainability recorded the lowest scores—organizational (2.65), financial (2.82), and technical (2.90). Respondents highlighted strong needs for technical assistance (95.5%), proposal-writing training (91.8%), modern technologies (86.4%), and strengthened M&E systems (72.7%).
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: The study enhances theoretical understanding of the OECD/DAC evaluation framework within the context of developing countries, particularly in agricultural public investment. Practically, it offers evidence-based insights into performance gaps and capacity needs of project staff. For policy, it provides actionable recommendations for strengthening participatory planning, improving M&E systems, enhancing resource allocation processes, and developing sustainability mechanisms to ensure long-term agricultural development in Laos.
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