CDEMA unveils new online monitoring and evaluation tool

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CDEMA) – The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) continues to strengthen its Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems for disaster risk reduction projects and programmes in the region.

Recognising the important role of technology in supporting robust M&E systems, the agency has developed a computerised information tool for capturing and analysing performance data of the regional Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Strategy 2014-2024.

The CDM Monitor, as the tool is called, was unveiled at a recent stakeholder session held at the Baobab Towers in Barbados. Participants at that meeting included representatives from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), UN Women, National Disaster Offices of CDEMA Participating States and the CDEMA Coordinating Unit.

The web-based application assists in the area of planning and facilitates monitoring at various levels: strategic, programme, sub-programme/project, yearly work plan and annual budget. Performance information generated can then be used for decision-making by senior officials and technical project/programme staff.

Executive Director of CDEMA Ronald Jackson, highlighted the importance of such technology to the agency's wider M&E system.

"As the region's mandated disaster risk management agency we are required to effectively monitor regional progress towards achieving a safe and resilient Caribbean. We must also be able to monitor, report and plan more effectively and give account for our own performance as we make our contribution to the overall implementation of the CDM Strategy 2014-2024," he said.

Jackson explained further: "With the implementation of The CDM Monitor, the agency is poised to achieve these aspirations and further support our efforts to realise our vision of being 'A Centre for Disaster Risk Management Excellence and a preferred partner for a safe Caribbean."

The CDM Monitor was developed by the Institute for Development in Economics and Administration (IDEA), as part of a wider consultancy aimed at strengthening the Monitoring and Evaluation capacity across the CDEMA system.

Co-President for IDEA Dr Frederic Martin noted that "IDEA International supported the CDEMA CU working in collaboration with other CDM system actors to (1) build up CDEMA human capacities in monitoring and evaluation, (2) revise its performance indicators and targets, (3) propose a CDEMA monitoring and evaluation policy, (4) design a monitoring and evaluation plan, an action plan, and a staff performance management system for CDEMA Coordinating Unit, and (5) implement an online data base information system to support the M&E system".

"The progressive implementation of those complementary actions should position CDEMA as one of the leading institutions implementing results-based monitoring and evaluation in the Caribbean region over the next three years."

The development of The CDM Monitor was sponsored through the Comprehensive Disaster Management -- Harmonised Implementation Programme with funding support from the United Kingdom's Department for International Development, Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development and Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.