This document discusses monitoring and evaluation approaches for value chain programming. It notes that value chain initiatives require different M&E approaches than traditional economic development projects due to their market facilitation nature and many external factors. It introduces CARE's guide to M&E for value chain initiatives, which provides 11 modules to help practitioners develop appropriate M&E systems. The guide includes tools like developing causal models and indicators, collecting and analyzing data, and conducting evaluations. An example case study from Bangladesh is also mentioned.

1. Market Engagement Webinar Series
Monitoring & Evaluation for
Value Chain Programming
April 11, 2012

2. Uh, we already have
an M&E approach…
So, why do
we need this?

3. Let’s take a look at what we’re doing….
These are VC
Service Providers
Global Enabling Environment
They help the value Global
chain actors move Retailers
product along the chain.
National Enabling Environment
National
This is a Retailers
Value Chain Exporters
Service Providers Wholesalers
• Sprayers
Sprayers
It is made up of agents
• Extension
• Brokers
all actors that
Brokers
• touch Buyers
actuallyTraders
• MFIs
a product from
• Banks
production to
• Insurance Co.s Producers
final sale
• Etc.
Financial (cross
cutting)
Input Suppliers
Source: USAID

4. Let’s take a look at what we’re doing…
VC Supporters
Nat’l EDUs
Gov’t
National Retailers
Exporters
CGIAR
MoAs Wholesalers
Sprayers
Extension agents
Brokers
Buyers
CBOs
Local
Gov’t
Producers
Financial (cross cutting)
NGOs
Input Suppliers
Multi- Bi- INGOs
Foundations IFIs
Laterals Laterals

5. So, we’ve got a lot of
things to keep
track of.
Now, let’s also
consider this…

6. Let’s look at what we’re doing…
Hybrid Approach
Service Delivery &
Market Linkages
Traditional Econ Dev’t The New Approach
Direct Service Delivery Market Facilitation /
VC Approach
Source: Engineers without Borders

7. So, what does this mean?
Value Chain programming…
• Takes a facilitation approach, meaning our interventions
will change based on:
• The actions of a wide-range of actors we cannot control
• Constantly changing market dynamics we cannot control
• Things we learn along the way – what works, what doesn’t
• Accepts that, when we start a project, we do not know
much of what we need to in order to succeed

8. Whoa! That
looks
complicated!

9. It is. But, that’s why
we have new tools.

10. So, what does this mean for M&E?
5 Things Every Practitioner Needs to Know about
M&E for Value Chain Programming
1. Some things are different – but not everything.
2. Need shorter, faster feedback loops and ability to adapt to
changes in strategy.
3. Need to deconstruct walls between front line / field staff
and M&E staff.
4. Need to measure the sustainability of change, not only the
incidence of change.
5. Need to develop new models for impact evaluation.

11. How do we get there?
CARE Guide to M&E for Value Chain Initiatives
• Step-by-Step Guide comprised
of 11 modules
(~10 pages each)
• Each module includes:
• Objective
• Overview
• Materials required
• Step-by-Step guide
• Case example
• Supporting templates and tools

12. How do we get there?
CARE Guide to M&E for Value Chain Initiatives
Modules
M1: M&E System Client Mapping M6: Developing Analysis and
Feedback Loops
M2: Developing, Reviewing & Refining M7: Conducting a Reality Check
your Causal Model
M3: Assess the Initiative’s M&E M8: Integrate Other Design Features
Resources & Capacity into the M&E
M4: Select Performance Indicators M9: Training and Capacity Building
M5: Select Data Collection Tools M10: Reviewing and Refining
M11: Evaluation & Impact Studies

13. Here’s an example from Module 1.

14. Here’s an example from Module 1.

15. Draft Universal Indicators for VC Initiatives
Domain Indicators
Increased # of poor individuals (those living below PPP $1 / day) that are directly and indirectly
Scale of impacted by our value chain interventions.
Impact
Income # of CARE IG members that have transitioned from below to above the poverty line (PPP$1
poverty / day or national poverty line).*
reduction Total and % increase in annual income among IG members from productive activity
supported by CARE.*
Cost- Ratio of total income gains from productive activity supported to total expenditures at
effectiveness project conclusion.*
Sustainability % change in value of transactions between IG members and other market actors at project
of Market conclusion.
Change % change in VC actors reporting increased importance of other targeted VC actors to their
success.
Women’s % men and women reporting meaningful participation of women in decision-making at the
Empowerment household level in a domain previously reserved for men
% men and women reporting meaningful participation of women in the public sphere
% men and women reporting ability of women to effectively control productive assets
Average number of hours per day spent on house work in relation to the duration of the
working day, by sex

16. Effective M&E for Value Chain
Initiatives in Practice
CASE STUDY
Strengthening the Dairy Value Chain Project
CARE Bangladesh

17. Want to Learn More?
Multiple ways to continue the discussion and continue
learning:
• Review the CARE Guide to M&E for Value Chain Programming:
http://edu.care.org/Pages/NewMandEforValueChainsGuide.aspx
• Join a task force to review and refine the universal indicators.
Contact nardi@careinternational.org
• Join the Market Engagement Community of Practice on LinkedIn to
engage in the discussion: http://linkd.in/GzCSBa
• Subscribe to our listserv to get weekly updates and stay on top of
CARE’s Market Engagement work. Contact:
mreichwage@care.org.