MRD consulted on MESA inception diagnostic study  

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) through its Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (M&E) has been consulted by the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC) on 14 July 2022 on the Monitoring and Evaluation Systems Analysis (MESA) inception diagnostic study that it (MNPDC) is currently rolling out with relevant government ministries and stakeholders.

The purpose of the consultation is to get views, experiences and knowledge from the MRD M&E and other relevant stakeholders to inform and shape how the MESA study will be carried out.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Principal M&E officer Gabriel Manetiva said MRD M&E Unit is pleased to be part of the MESA inception diagnostic study and they are looking forward to support MNPDC as the coordinating ministry in this study.

“I believe this diagnostic study is a step in the right direction towards improving and strengthening the government (SIG) M&E system.

“Having a national M&E framework is crucial to guarantee all relevant ministries and stakeholders are linked together and collaborate to ensure there is effective monitoring and evaluation processes are realized to improve development outcomes and progress in implementing and reporting of the National Development Strategy 2016-2035 (NDS) by contributing to the global United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

Mr. Manetiva said the consultation juncture was a great opportunity as it enabled them to expressed their views, experiences, knowledge and challenges faced in the M&E field and practise.

“We hope our inputs will help MNPDC and the consulting groups, Dignity Pasifik from Solomon Islands and Alinea International from Australia towards the study and we are looking forward for the final report,” Mr. Manetiva added.

Meanwhile, Alice Kale Chief Planning Officer – Strategic from MNPDC acknowledged MRD M&E officers for their time and for their valuable contributions towards the undertaking.

Ms. Kale said MESA study is coordinated by MNPDC and is aimed at answering two overarching questions. These two questions are;

• What monitoring and evaluation processes, systems and capacities Solomon Islands has in place?
• What are the opportunities to further strengthen these processes, systems and capacities?

She said MESA is in its inception phase and MNPDC with technical support from the consultants are scoping out an appropriate approach to conducting this important diagnostic study for Solomon Islands.

“There has been a number of gaps identified from the implementation of the National Development Strategy – NSD 2016-2035 over the years since it was launched in 2016 of which a critical one is the reporting, monitoring and evaluation of the NDS.

“Monitoring of the NDS at the higher-level needs strengthening to enable effective reporting on its objectives, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other regional and international commitments. So, having this need identified, the MNPDC is now undertaking this MESA diagnostic study,” Ms. Kale emphasized.

The one on one consultation with relevant stakeholders is commenced on 14^th July and is expected to end on 19 July 2022.

The study is supported by World Bank through the Global Evaluation Initiative and will be conducted on the ground by consulting groups Dignity Pasifik from Solomon Islands and Alinea International from Australia.

• MRD Press