The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has concluded a three-day capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing the monitoring, evaluation, and financial reporting of humanitarian interventions across its member states. The event was organized by the Humanitarian and Social Affairs Directorate of the ECOWAS Commission from November 5 to 7 in Niger State, Nigeria.
The directorate is focused on improving the implementation standards of humanitarian programs within the West African region. It acknowledges the critical role that robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems play in assessing program impacts. To this end, ECOWAS has developed models and tools designed to boost the effectiveness and efficiency of its humanitarian efforts through well-structured M&E and financial mechanisms.
The workshop facilitated active participation and knowledge sharing among participants. It provided a comprehensive overview of all aspects related to monitoring and evaluation systems, including data collection, analysis, reporting, and integration into existing national frameworks.
Participants made several recommendations for ECOWAS to prioritize in its program interventions. These include cash intervention and voucher assistance aligned with humanitarian principles, livelihood support, food and non-food interventions, as well as providing water, sanitation, and hygiene kits.
It was recommended that at least 85% of funds be allocated to meeting the basic needs of affected populations. Member states were also urged to complete and submit their financial and M&E reports for the Floods and Food Nutrition Project (2023) before the end of the ECOWAS accounting year 2024.
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