TITLE:
Monitoring and Evaluation Systems and Program Performance: Evidence from the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO)
AUTHORS:
Paskalia Cherono
KEYWORDS:
Monitoring and Evaluation, Program Performance, Results-Based Management, Community-Based Organizations, JOYWO
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.13 No.5,
May
13,
2026
ABSTRACT: Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems are increasingly recognized as critical for enhancing accountability, learning, and performance in development programs. Despite this recognition, many community-based and Faith-based organizations struggle to institutionalize effective M&E systems. This study examined how M&E systems influence program performance at the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO), a community-based women’s empowerment initiative. Guided by Results-Based Management and Organizational Learning Theory, the study adopted a descriptive and explanatory research design. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews with JOYWO program staff and beneficiaries. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The findings revealed that robust M&E systems characterized by clear indicators, regular data collection, stakeholder participation, and the use of findings significantly enhance program effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability. The study concludes that institutionalized M&E systems are essential drivers of program performance in community-based development initiatives. It recommends strengthening M&E capacity, integrating learning mechanisms, and promoting evidence-based decision-making within JOYWO and similar organizations.