Development of Community-Based Monitoring and Evaluation Approaches for Local Impact Assessments

Information from the abstract

This study aims to develop a community-based monitoring and evaluation (M&E) approach for local impact assessments that can be adapted as a template for developing similar frameworks in Southeast Asia. Using the Thai-Malaysia Natural Gas Separation Plant project as a case study, the framework incorporates the context, input, process, and product (CIPP) model and the community health impact assessment (CHIA) as foundations for developing approaches using participatory action research methodologies. Data was collected through focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, and documentary research. The study identified factors influencing community-based M&E approaches in impact assessment. Contextual factors include strong community organization and support from both governmental agencies and academics closely connected with the community. Essential input factors related to personnel include (1) the M&E team led by the community, (2) the support team for community-led M&E, and (3) related organizations playing a supportive role in the process. Resource-related input factors include (1) relevant knowledge in community-based M&E, (2) community M&E training programs, and (3) tools for monitoring, verification, and evaluation. Budgetary inputs should be managed by local government organizations in the form of a fund independent of the project. The process is divided into six steps: (1) building understanding to set objectives and directions for community-based M&E, (2) developing capabilities of the community-based M&E team to analyze reports, (3) selecting issues for community M&E and planning operations, (4) implementing M&E and drafting the report, (5) organizing community review processes of the M&E draft report, and (6) conducting forums to present reports to decision makers and develop policy proposals. The output must be comprehensible, accessible, raise awareness, and foster a collaborative learning process. Theoretically, this study contributes by integrating CIPP with CHIA to conceptualize community-led M&E as a structured, multi-level evaluation system linking participatory governance to accountability in impact assessment.

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Related topics: Environmental and Social Impact Assessments · Mining and Resource Management · Coastal and Marine Management