IPA Philippines, in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), conducted the Introductory Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Capacity Building Program at the IRRI Headquarters in Laguna, Philippines from June 24-27, 2024. The 4-day knowledge-sharing and training event focused on developing a stronger Agricultural Development Ecosystem.

The program delved into the significance and applications of M&E in agricultural development, featuring sessions on monitoring tools, impact evaluation methodologies, and case studies on agriculture innovations, climate change, and social equity. The interactive workshops provided the participants with the opportunity to develop and discuss their Theory of Change (ToC) and Monitoring and Evaluation Learning (MEL) frameworks with fellow M&E practitioners.

Participants also went on guided tours of relevant facilities at IRRI to learn more about ongoing projects in the field. The workshop featured speakers from IPA, IRRI, CGIAR, Asian Development Bank, UN Women, International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the University of the Philippines Los Baños led the discussions.

IPA staff led a total of eight sessions: introductory M&E concepts, processes, and tools; impact evaluation methods and a panel discussion on agricultural case studies; the significance of M&E; and innovations in agriculture.