FAO in Africa launches regional training program to strengthen monitoring and evaluation skills

The FAO Regional Office for Africa (RAF) has launched a dynamic regional training program to bolster the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) capabilities within the FAO team in the Africa region.

From July 1-5, MEL practitioners from across the region met in person in Accra, Ghana to take part in the training led by Irina Curca, the FAO Regional M&E Officer in collaboration with MEL team leaders from Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia and South Sudan. Around 24 people from 19 countries and two sub-regional offices participated. 

“Despite the presence of MEL personnel in most FAO country offices across Africa, recent surveys and consultations reveal a critical need for improved MEL capacities and systems,” Irina Curca said. 

"Effective monitoring, evaluation, and learning are crucial for achieving FAO's goals in Africa. This training not only strengthens MEL capacities in RAF but also empowers our teams to drive impactful programming and MEL in their respective countries," she added.

Developing strong M&E network in Africa 

Capacity development in MEL has been identified as a top priority within the region. The training is part of a broader program  targeting MEL practitioners, technical personnel and programme managers. 

The training provided a platform for exchanging solutions, practices, and tools among countries and sub-regions, laying the groundwork for a robust regional MEL network. The initiative is expected to cultivate a cadre of skilled trainers who will deliver tailored training at the country level, thereby promoting ownership and sustainability of the regional MEL capacity development agenda.

The primary goal is to harmonize foundational knowledge and practices for MEL which will help to foster a cohesive approach among MEL practitioners across the region and ultimately improve FAO’s ability to learn from and deliver on its results.