Developing a Community-Based ECD Monitoring and Evaluation System for Zamfara State

Community-based ECD programmes in Zamfara State operate without adequate monitoring and evaluation infrastructure, making it impossible to track service quality or child outcomes systematically, and a professionally designed M and E system addresses this accountability gap in North West Nigeria. This study developed a community-based ECD monitoring and evaluation system for Zamfara State, drawing on assessment of existing data flows at 20 community ECD centres in Gusau, Anka, and Bungudu LGAs, structured consultations with 12 state ECD officers and 8 M and E specialists, and benchmarking against UNICEF ECD M and E frameworks and the Nigerian government's integrated ECD management information system design. Assessment confirmed that centre-level data collection was absent in 85 percent of facilities, that LGA-level ECD reporting had no standardised format, and that child development outcomes were never systematically monitored. The M and E system designed specifies community-level data collection tools using visual formats accessible to low-literacy facilitators, LGA-level data aggregation protocols, state-level dashboard indicators, quarterly review processes, and a community feedback mechanism. Expert review by 10 specialists confirmed the system's operational feasibility. Recommendations include state Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance joint adoption, facilitator training in data tools, and integration with the national EMIS system to enable Zamfara State ECD data to contribute to national planning.

Keywords: ECD monitoring and evaluation, community-based programmes, Zamfara State, data systems, early childhood accountability