Title: Capacity development practices in monitoring and evaluation and livelihood program performance

Authors: Joshua Thambura; Naomi Mwangi; John Mbugua; Reuben Kikwatha

Addresses: Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya ' Faculty of Education, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya ' Faculty of Education, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya ' Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract: Program performance has been associated with the level of staff competence acquired by capacity development in development programs. This study examined how monitoring and evaluation (M&E) capacity development practices influenced the performance of Caritas Meru's livelihood program in Kenya. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from a population of 465 individuals, including managers, staff, and smallholder farmer group leaders, with a sample of 215 selected through stratified sampling. Descriptive analysis used means and percentages, while inferential analysis employed Pearson's correlation coefficient. Findings indicated that M&E capacity development practices were applied (mean = 3.600) and that the livelihood program participants were satisfied with services (mean = 3.882). A moderate, statistically significant correlation (r = 0.317, p < 0.001) demonstrated that M&E capacity development positively affected program performance. The study recommends institutionalising policy frameworks to strengthen capacity development in development projects and programs.

Keywords: capacity development; human capacity theory; livelihood program performance; monitoring and evaluation; M&E; competencies.

DOI: 10.1504/AJESD.2025.151435

African Journal of Economic and Sustainable Development, 2025 Vol.10 No.4, pp.362 - 380

Received: 25 Apr 2024
Accepted: 23 Jun 2025
Published online: 29 Jan 2026 *

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