Project Cycle Management

1. Development of Result Based Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, Plans and Tool

M&E frameworks help the project teams to have clear guidance on which indicators to measure when and how to measure, making it easy to integrate project monitoring with implementation. We develop frameworks such as Results Based Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (RBME), log frames, results chains, results frameworks, and theory of change. In addition to the M&E Framework, we further develop tools for collecting data at different levels during project implementation and come up with a plan for data collection. We involve the project teams in the development of the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and tools, which fosters a better understanding of their projects, while also building their capacity in the project monitoring activities. We ensure that we leave the client with all necessary plans, guidelines, and tools to implement the project, thus fostering efficiency right from the start.

2. Baseline Surveys

Baseline surveys assesses the circumstances in which the project commences against which to monitor and assess the project’s progress and effectiveness during implementation and after. Baseline survey is very crucial in project cycle management because it’s very difficult to plan, monitor, and evaluate your performance without baseline data. In this early element in the monitoring and evaluation plan of your project, we use the project log frame structure/results chain determine the project indicators at goal, outcomes and outputs level. We use these indicators to develop appropriate tools that we administer to the target beneficiaries. We agree with clients on the research design, based on the scope of the project, resource availability and future evaluation plans. We use both qualitative and quantitative data collection procedures to collect information related to the study indicators (see data collection services).
Thereafter data is analyzed, for every indicator and package the results in the form of a baseline survey report. We further make recommendations to our clients, should the results of the baseline survey reveal a need for adjustments in design of the project or M&E Framework.

3. Project Evaluation and impact assessments

Periodically (Annually, midterm or at the end of a phase of a project or program), implementing organizations ought to track the progress of program implementation against pre-set targets and objectives. Well-run organizations and effective programs are those that can demonstrate the achievement of results. Evaluation enables continuous improvement and learning through implementation of recommendations, understanding and incorporation of lessons learned from evaluations into new strategies, programs and projects. Our elaborate research infrastructure, knowledge and vast experience in project cycle management are valuable assets that we utilize to conduct factual and objective evaluation process. In addition, we document successful case studies and best practices for our clients using different media such as videos, photographs and written case studies.

4. Project closures

There are several operations that projects have to go through when closing donor-funded projects, which occur at a time when the staff contracts are supposed to end. This leaves project managers with the challenge of implementing a smooth closure based on contractual arrangements with donors. SPARD Africa comes in to bridge this gap through a well-structured closure plan. We have expertise and experience in conducting sustainability and exit planning and all project closure activities, ensuring enhanced participation of beneficiaries, stakeholders and project staff.

5. Project Implementation

SPARD Africa, with its wealth of expertise in project cycle management works with other development agencies to deliver projects in the agriculture sector. Over time we have developed our financial and operational management systems in order to effectively manage grants and donor contracts. As a private company we have our systems and procedures that enable is to operate efficiently and bring value to our partners.

6. Project Development

We work with clients to develop their project ideas into projects by undertaking feasibility studies on the ideas, problem, and opportunity analysis, stakeholder analysis, development of the Theory of Change, and thereafter design projects relevant to the needs of the target beneficiaries. We have expertise in the development of log frames/results chain framework which we use to design projects. Further, we support our clients in developing competitive proposals for fundraising.

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