BOHOL. Monitoring and evaluation are useful tools for assessing if a program is producing the desired results and goals. Frequent evaluations shed light on how well various elements and activities work.
By regularly assessing program activities, organizations can identify inefficiencies or areas where resources are not being used effectively. This allows for adjustments to be made in real-time, optimizing resource allocation and improving cost-effectiveness.
In this regard, 20 participants composed of seven (7) Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), eight (8) farmers, and five (5) agri-enthusiast attended the Regional Roll out of the Use of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Tool held at ATI-RTC 7, Cabawan District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol on December 11-14, 2023.
The activity aimed for the participants to be able to gather data on the outcome of the department’s rice interventions using the MEL tool.
Moreover, participants were equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the Department of Agriculture (DA) adapt to modernize the agriculture industry through digitalization. In collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) developed the Rice Crop Manager Advisory Service (RCMAS) that provides one-page Rice Crop Management Advisory tool that encompasses various stages of rice crop production such as crop establishment, fertilizer, pesticide, irrigation and weed management practices as well as harvest prediction through historical data and crop variety characteristics.
Additionally, participants actively engaged in the actual hands-on interview of the farmers. They were able to know how to use the MEL tool in monitoring the farmer’s lot. In order, for the farmers to know the cost and return in their rice production. Participants equipped new skills and knowledge in dealing with farmers during interview. The 4DFarms’ Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) application shall serve as a digital tool for DA’s Rice Program to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the various rice program interventions to farmers.
Likewise, to support the participants in their role as enumerator in their respective regions; intensive training and hands on exercise on random sampling procedure and familiarization with the MEL application and its use would ensure quality information for analysis and reporting. This activity is intended to capacitate partners to serve as enumerators in their respective regions for a seamless roll out of the MEL application that is expected to provide reliable information and reporting for the DA Management.
“Daghang salamat ATI nga gitagaan ko’g kahigayunan nga makaapil ani nga training. Ani nga training, daghan ko’g nakat-onan. Ilabina sa actual nga pag interview sa mga farmers through cellphone. Daghan ko’g nakat-onan sa mga farmers pud sa ilang pag-uma ug naka ginansiya ba sila. Sa tool ug actual survey is more likely duol-duol ra sila, so I would say na effective siya. This training needs a lot of effort and patience. When we facilitate the farmers, paningkamotan jud natu nga ma achieve ang atong goal or purpose as facilitators. So, with ATI, 100 percent jud na sila. Thank you kaayo sa mga TMT ani nga training kay approachable ug friendly sila; so, keep up the good work. Maayo sad ang mga RP. Kini nga group ilabina sa akong mga co-participants, ani ko naka embrace ug joy and new friends. Overall, you’re in good hands in ATI,” expressed Mae L. Sosoban.
