Malawi MELS Activity Update

The project's primary objectives are to implement performance evaluations and assessment services under the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contract (IDIQ). MELS provides support to the Feed the Future (FTF) and Environment (Global Climate Change (GCC) and biodiversity) activities managed by USAID/Malawi's Sustainable Economic Growth (SEG) Office. The MELS project has four primary objectives: Objective 1, which involves performance evaluations of FTF and ENV activities and the Sustainable Livelihoods Project; Objective 2, which includes assessments of Feed the Future Malawi Agricultural Diversification activity performance; Objective 3, which involves studies and analyses on selected topical issues; and Objective 4, which aims to strengthen local capacity to undertake evaluations and assessments. During the Fiscal Year 2021 Quarter 3 (April 2021 – June 2021), the MELS team focused on various activities. In Program Management, the team planned to submit a FY21 Q3 Quarterly Activity Report and Financial Report on July 15. A personnel change occurred, with Sandra Medina being approved as the home-office M&E Manager for the Gender-Agricultural Assessment, although the assessment has been put on hold. In Performance Evaluation Services, the team did not work on any performance evaluations during the quarter. In Performance Assessment Services, the team conducted an open competition and selected a local subcontractor, Centre for Development Management (CDM), for the FY21 Annual Survey. The team also developed the assessment methodology for the Gender – Agriculture Assessment, which has been put on hold until the program team has designed and created a budget for the Meta-Evaluation. The MELS team will hold a two-part webinar on Cost-Benefit Analysis in FY21 Q4, featuring Dr. Franck Wiebe as the instructor. Dr. Wiebe is a Professor and Faculty Director of the International Development Policy Program at Georgetown University, with expertise in cost-benefit analysis and natural resource economics. The MELS project has achieved significant progress towards its expected outcomes. As of June 2021, the project has successfully implemented 7 performance evaluations, meeting its target of 7 evaluations for the year. The project has also made progress in strengthening local capacity to undertake evaluations and assessments, with plans to conduct a meta-evaluation in Q4.