Effect of monitoring and evaluation practices on performance of projects. A case of Rugano Mushubi -Peru water supply system project in Nyamagabe District, Rwanda
Abstract
Despite infrastructure expansion, intermittent water supply remains a challenge in many developing contexts, with some communities receiving water for only a few hours per day. Such inconsistencies undermine the effectiveness and sustainability of water supply projects, where reliability is a key measure of performance. This study examined the effect of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practices on the performance of the Rugano–Mushubi–Peru Water Supply System Project in Nyamagabe District, Rwanda. Specifically, the study assessed the influence of M&E planning, capacity building, data collection, and reporting on project performance. The study was guided by Systems Theory, Human Capital Theory, Resource-Based View Theory, and Theory of Change. A descriptive correlational research design was adopted using a quantitative approach. The target population comprised 344 respondents, and a sample of 185 respondents was determined using Cochran’s formula and selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using SPSS through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that M&E practices significantly influenced project performance. Specifically, M&E planning (B = 0.224, p < 0.001), capacity building (B = 0.312, p < 0.001), data collection (B = 0.251, p < 0.001), and reporting (B = 0.313, p < 0.001) had positive and significant effects on project performance. The study concluded that effective M&E practices strengthen project planning, staff capacity, evidence generation, accountability, and implementation control, thereby improving water supply project performance. The study recommends strengthening institutionalized M&E systems through clear monitoring schedules, continuous capacity development, reliable data systems, and effective reporting mechanisms to enhance sustainability and service delivery in water supply projects.