The document discusses challenges in monitoring and evaluation (MEL) within the market system development (MSD) approach, highlighting issues such as indirect benefits, dynamic baselines, and market unpredictability. It suggests strategies for effective MEL, including articulating a theory of change, using results chains for adaptive management, and incorporating multiple perspectives. The document emphasizes the importance of participant involvement and the need for balanced evaluator independence.

1. Challenges in Monitoring and Evaluation in
Market System Development approach by
Imran Khan

2. Market System Approach MEL
challenges
1. Indirectness of Benefit
2. Challenges of baseline
3. Challenges of control
4. Market dynamics
5. Unpredictable targets

3. Indirectness of Benefit
How will MEL
track the direct
and indirect
beneficiaries?

4. Other Challenges
Challenges in Baseline
Its theoretical. We cannot say any private sector to work in our targeted
zone. They will invest where they will get higher profit. So we do not the area
where should we conduct our baseline.
Since MSD approach is dynamic the indicators of baseline might be
changed over the years
Challenges of control
Since MSD approach tend to change the total market system so control
farmer/beneficiary finding will be a challenge
Market Dynamic
Market is dynamic. Considering this intervention will be revised over the
period. What will be happened to the indicators??

5. Other Challenges
Unpredictable Target
Since intervention in the market system will not be sticky so target will not be
sticky. But every target should be tracked

6. Guide for MEL in MSD approach
1.1 Articulate the theory of change and revisit it often.
1.2 Use results chains as tools for adaptive management
3.1 Connect MEL and implementation with feedback loops.
3.2 Document changes in the intervention and context.
4.1 Assess MEL boundaries using anchor value chains.
4.2 Incorporate multiple perspectives.
4.3 Map and measure system relationships.
5.1 Define "systemic change" for the specific context and
intervention.
5.2 Select methods and tools for measuring systemic change.
6.1 Include participation at all levels and stages of MEL.
6.2 Place sensors to detect unanticipated outcomes.
7.1 Spread MEL responsibilities across project staff.
7.2 Balance evaluator independence with program knowledge.
7.3 Strengthen validity with mixed methods.

7. Thank You