Case studies have been prepared for a number of countries. Some of these are in the nature of in-depth diagnoses; others provide a quick overview of a government’s M&E system or systems. The more useful case studies are those which provide a critical overview of the strengths and weaknesses of a government M&E system and which are ideally based on detailed evidence. The following case studies cover a range of countries, from upper-middle income countries to the poorest countries preparing poverty reduction strategy papers.

A Diagnosis of Colombia’s National M&E System, SINERGIA provides in-depth information on the genesis, development and current status ― strengths, weaknesses and options for the future ― of one of the most advanced M&E systems in Latin America. Spanish Version | French Version

See also:
Good Practice Government Systems for M&E: the Cases of Chile and Colombia >>Video presentation>>

US Government's Method for Rating the Performance of all Programs — the Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART) >>Video Presentation

A comparison of the M&E systems in five Latin American countries is presented in:
Experience with Institutionalizing Monitoring and Evaluation Systems in Five Latin American Countries: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica and Uruguay

Institutionalization of M&E Systems in Latin America This 2006 volume presents an analysis of five good-practice or promising-practice government M&E systems in Latin America: Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil and Peru. The national M&E systems in Chile and Colombia, and the sectoral system in Mexico, are particularly noteworthy, and are among the strongest in the developing world.

Evaluation Capacity Development in the Republic of Ireland Ireland provides an interesting case study of a country which initially developed its M&E system in response to the formal requirements for accession to the European Union. The paper also considers the effects of the small pool of evaluators available locally.

Two Generations of Performance Evaluation and Management System in Australia This paper contrasts a successful, centrally-driven evaluation system with the subsequent, less-successful and devolved system which focuses on the collection and reporting of performance information. Australia’s first generation evaluation system is often considered to have been one of the most successful government evaluation systems in the world.

The Development of Australia’s Evaluation System This 1998 paper on Australia provides more detailed information on the successful first generation evaluation system in that country, including some detailed statistics on the extent of utilization of evaluation findings.

The Development of Monitoring and Evaluation Capacities to Improve Government Performance in Uganda. (This paper is also available in >French; in >Spanish.) The paper provides an update on an earlier (2001) diagnosis and identifies the contribution which M&E is making to national development. It also examines remaining challenges to institutionalizing M&E in a sustainable manner in Uganda. The paper identifies lessons from Uganda’s experience which are relevant to other countries preparing poverty reduction strategies, in Africa and other regions.

Strengthening Capacity for Monitoring and Evaluation in Uganda: A Results Based Management Perspective This 2001 paper provides a diagnosis of Uganda’s M&E systems and indicates a number of areas of overlap and duplication. (The paper is also available in French and in Spanish.)

Comparative Insights from Colombia, China and Indonesia This 1999 paper compares key dimensions of M&E demand and supply in 3 countries. It is also available in French.

Public Sector Performance: the Critical Role of Evaluation These proceedings from a 1998 conference showcase M&E systems in 5 countries: Australia, Canada, Chile, Indonesia and Zimbabwe. The importance of M&E for sound governance is also highlighted.

Zimbabwe: Issues and Opportunities This 1998 paper provides a brief overview of M&E in Zimbabwe, including an outline of a possible framework for M&E functions in different government ministries.

Monitoring and Evaluation Capacity Development in Africa These proceedings from a 2000 conference in Johannesburg examine the relevance of M&E to African countries. Country case studies are presented for Ghana, Kenya, Niger, Tanzania and Uganda. Sector M&E case studies are presented for Kenya, Mali, Rwanda, South Africa and Zambia.

Evaluation Capacity Development in Africa These 1998 conference proceedings include case studies for Ghana, Guinea, Morocco, Uganda and Zimbabwe. A Precis is available in English and in French.

Evaluation Capacity Development in Asia These proceedings from a 1999 conference highlight the potential value of M&E in Asian countries.