Investigating the benefits of knowledge sharing in development monitoring and evaluation using a pragmatic research approach

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is a fundamental aspect of international development programs and projects. M&E assesses the performance of programs and projects as an indicator of whether objectives are being met or not, ensuring that development donor investments achieve their intended benefits.

An important international development approach is the ‘livelihood program’, which is a strategic way of boosting rural economies and aligning political, sociocultural, economic, and environmental development. ‘Livelihood’ includes the capabilities, assets, and activities necessary for people’s daily needs. Livelihoods can encompass agricultural and non-agricultural activities which together provide food security and incomes for households.

A previous study of M&E practices in a livelihood program at Caritas Meru, Kenya, Africa highlighted planning, capacity development, data collection, and knowledge sharing as predictors of program performance. A new study¹ published in the International Journal of Professional Business Review further adds to the knowledge base by exploring the relationship between knowledge sharing practices in M&E and program performance.

Pragmatic research

Study authors Joshua Thambura, Naomi Wairimu Mwangi, John Mbugua, and Reuben Kikwatha used a pragmatic research approach² involving the use of diverse methods to gain insights. A descriptive survey design enabled both descriptive and inferential approaches to data analysis. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were employed, necessitating the use of three distinct instruments:

• For quantitative research, tailor-made questionnaires were used to collect primary data from farmer group leaders and Caritas Meru project staff.
• Qualitative data from senior management was gathered through an interview schedule.
• Focus group discussion guides were used for collecting qualitative data in these group discussions.

The geographical research area was Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties targeting five arid and semi-arid sub-counties. These unique challenges faced by these regions are water deficiency, low agricultural production, and high endemic poverty levels, making them dependent on external development assistance.

Study findings

The study found a statistically significant correlation between M&E knowledge sharing practices and the performance of livelihood programs implemented by Caritas Meru, Kenya. Affirming this conclusion, the null hypothesis was tested and rejected.

The knowledge sharing practices that were found to be statistically significant were:

• Knowledge documenting (knowledge codification).
• Knowledge dissemination through group meetings.

Team learning as well as lessons learnt from the M&E activities contributed to program performance. The grouping of farmers provided an enabling environment for the informal peer learning of innovations and routine M&E knowledge sharing practices.

In response to their findings, the study authors recommend that local and national governments, NGOs, and other project organizations establish frameworks within development programs to ensure knowledge documenting and dissemination for program and project performance benefits.

The knowledge management for sustainable development (KM4SD)³ community could also further investigate and trial the use of the pragmatic research approach in international development research.

Article source: Thambura et al., 2025, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Header image source: Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.

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