This detailed diagnosis of Colombia’s M&E system, SINERGIA, was commissioned by the government. The diagnosis concludes that it is a well-performing system. The main challenge it now faces is its full institutionalization, so it will continue to thrive and support good governance after any future change in administration. This will require a strengthening of both the demand and supply sides of M&E. On the supply side, it will entail further improvements to the quality and credibility of monitoring information, a reduction in the costs of data supply, and an increase in the volume and breadth of evaluations which are conducted.

The demand side can be strengthened by promoting greater awareness of, and confidence in, the monitoring information and evaluation findings which the system produces. This will also require that the key central ministers and their ministries play a leading and even forceful role in championing the use of this M&E information. This support will need to go beyond simple advocacy to include steps to ensure the utilization of the M&E information to support budget and national planning decision-making and social accountability. Sector ministries will also have an important role to play in ensuring utilization of M&E information.

This diagnosis provides a number of lessons relevant to other countries endeavoring to strengthen their M&E systems, both in Latin America and in other regions.

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