Protecting Ecosystems and Restoring Forests in Malawi (PERFORM) Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

The project aims to protect ecosystems and restore forests in Malawi, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable land use practices. The project's results framework is based on four intermediate results (IRs), which are further broken down into 14 performance indicators. The IRs focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable land use practices, improving forest cover, and enhancing institutional capacity. The performance indicators are used to track progress towards achieving these IRs and are monitored through a variety of methods, including baseline data collection, secondary data analysis, and geospatial analysis. The project's monitoring and evaluation (M&E) process is managed by a team of technical staff, including a Chief of Party, a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (ME&L) Specialist, and a Deputy Chief of Party. The team is responsible for implementing the M&E plan, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting on progress to stakeholders. The project also uses an electronic program observation, reporting, and tracking (ePORT) system to monitor and track progress. The project's M&E methods include baseline data collection, secondary data analysis, and geospatial analysis. Baseline data collection involves collecting data on the project's initial conditions, while secondary data analysis involves analyzing existing data to identify trends and patterns. Geospatial analysis involves using geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze spatial data and track changes over time. The project also conducts evaluations to assess its progress and identify areas for improvement. The evaluations are conducted at regular intervals, including mid-term and end-term evaluations. The project's M&E plan is also adaptive, with a focus on continuous learning and improvement. The project's geographic focus is on Malawi, with a specific focus on the Eastern and Southern regions. The project's timeframes are from January 2015 to September 2019, with a revised plan in January 2016. The project's recommendations focus on scaling up successful practices, strengthening institutional capacity, and promoting sustainable land use practices. The project's M&E plan is guided by a number of cross-cutting priorities, including identifying opportunities for participatory monitoring, monitoring for equal participation and access to benefits, and subcontract and grants monitoring. The project also uses a data quality assessment checklist and recommended procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its data. Overall, the PERFORM project's M&E plan provides a comprehensive framework for monitoring and evaluating the project's progress and achieving its objectives. The plan's focus on adaptive management, continuous learning, and improvement ensures that the project remains responsive to changing circumstances and adapts to new information and insights.