Ensuring accountability : monitoring and evaluating the preparation of national environmental action plans in Africa

So far, little has been written about measuring progress in the planning of a national action plan. Hard data, measurable indicators, and completely objective criteria are difficult to apply to a planning process. In order to provide a measure of accountability, an effective monitoring and evaluation system is required for NEAP preparation and future implementation. The paper provides some suggestions to help meet the complex set of challenges facing NEAP managers as they embark on the difficult task of building a participatory, intersectoral, and long-range NEAP. In addition, it presents critical issues and suggests some indicators and criteria related to measuring, monitoring, and evaluating the stated objectives of the NEAP process. (Author abstract, from PN-ABN-356)