Sub step 5: Evaluation: how to make value judgments after monitoring.

Evaluation is the process of making value judgment of the project’s achievement in relation to the planned activities and overall objectives. Thus, the purpose of evaluating the project is to obtain a picture of the extent to which the intended objectives of the activities and the project have been achieved. It allows lessons to be drawn from the project implementation experience and used for the planning of other projects in the same community and beyond. By evaluating the project, constraints that hinder the project from attaining its objectives are identified, allowing for solutions to be sought and implemented. Evaluation should be integrated into the project plan before, during and after implementation in the following way:

Evaluation before project implementation: At this stage evaluation is needed to:

• Assess the possible consequences of the planned project to the people in the community over a period of time;
• Make a final decision on what project alternative should be implemented; and
• Assist in making decisions on how the project will be implemented.

Evaluation  during  project implementation: Evaluation should be a continuous process and should  take place in all project implementation activities. This enables the project planners and implementers to progressively review the project  strategies according to the changing  circumstances in order to attain the desired activity and   project objectives.

Evaluation  after  project  implementation: This  is  to  retrace  the   project planning and implementation process, and results after project implementation. This further helps in:

• Identifying constraints or bottlenecks inherent in the implementation phase;
• Assessing the actual benefits and the number of people who benefited; Providing ideas on the strength of the project, for replication; and
• Providing a clear picture of the extent to which the intended objectives of the project have been realised.