The role of monitoring and evaluation in the performance of community development projects: A study of the Fadama initiative

This study examined the role of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in the performance of community development projects, using the Fadama initiative in Enugu State, Nigeria, as a case study. The objectives were to assess the alignment of current M&E practices with global best practices, determine the influence of M&E on project outcomes, particularly food security, and identify strategies to improve M&E systems for enhanced project performance. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from a sample of 225 respondents drawn from a population of 1,085 Fadama projects using purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. Primary data were gathered through structured questionnaires, analyzed using descriptive statistics, and tested with regression analysis via SPSS version 25. Findings revealed that while existing M&E practices are consistent with global standards, their effectiveness is limited by financial, technical, and logistical constraints. Furthermore, M&E practices significantly impact key project outcomes, such as agricultural productivity, income generation, and food security. The study also identified strategic approaches for strengthening M&E systems, including improved funding, capacity development, stakeholder engagement, and the adoption of modern data management tools. The research concludes that M&E plays a vital role in the success of Fadama Community Development Projects. However, the study's geographic focus on Enugu State limits the generalizability of the findings. It recommends that Fadama project coordinators institutionalize global best practices, invest in M&E capacity building, prioritize outcome-based assessments, and enhance transparency to ensure more effective and sustainable development interventions.   Key words: Monitoring and evaluation, performance, community development projects, Fadama initiative.