Monitoring and Evaluation of Agricultural Development Programmes in Nigeria: Systems and Practices

This study examines monitoring and evaluation systems and practices in agricultural development programmes in Nigeria, assessing the quality of M and E frameworks and their contribution to programme accountability and learning. Effective M and E is essential for tracking programme progress, generating evidence for adaptive management, and demonstrating value for money to funders and beneficiaries. In Nigeria's agricultural development sector, M and E quality is highly variable across programme types and implementing organisations. This study uses a mixed-method design, reviewing M and E frameworks, indicator systems, and evaluation reports from 15 agricultural development programmes implemented across all six geopolitical zones, supplemented by interviews with 35 M and E officers and programme managers. M and E quality is assessed using a framework covering results framework adequacy, data collection system quality, analysis and reporting practices, and utilisation of M and E findings. Findings reveal that most programmes have adequate input and output tracking systems but weak outcome and impact measurement. Evaluation studies, when conducted, are rarely used for programme redesign, reflecting a compliance rather than learning orientation. Digital data collection tools are underutilised, with paper-based data collection remaining dominant in rural programme areas. The study concludes that M and E practice in Nigerian agricultural programmes requires reorientation toward learning and adaptive management. It recommends digital M and E systems, mandatory utilisation reviews, and independent evaluation quality standards.

Keywords: monitoring and evaluation, agricultural programmes, Nigeria, programme accountability, adaptive management.