Why monitoring and evaluation (M&E) matters?

What is M&E? If you google, lot of definition can be found and accustomed. The commonly agreed points are, it is about collection and analysis of information. Does it sound something like doing a job of intelligence agency? Absolutely not.

Photo credit: WASH MEL project (taken from online google search)

The many definitions about M&E found in google fails to describe the collection and analysis of information of what? I think this should be from the perspective of human dimension.

The project performed and targets are achieved, after all projects are attributed as successful. The general perception holds, if progress of project achieved then the goal of project fulfilled. This is valid only on the basis of probability: may be or may not be. Since how anyone can claim the goal or result of project achieved just by fulfilling the outputs or delivering the project deliverable?

Here's come the issue of M&E. The collection and analysis of information. The information of what? Though, the project information are essential for M&E process. The information collection from the project beneficiary side is vital one. Whether it may be baseline, mid-line or end-line. Only project goal can be realized when systematically assessed from the project beneficiary side.This involves human dimension and require statistic.

The study on characteristic and dynamism of human/society is different from physical science. It is unpredictable and most of the time unknown. Unlike elements of physical science, humans vary from each other may it be from imagination, feeling and any other. The variable characteristic and dynamism of human/society can only be summarized quantitatively or qualitatively to make a sense. But not definitely like in physical science.

If any project claimed I have reduced the poverty from my project, my organization made disaster resilient society, I question really, what are the evidences???? They answer really and claim: we have this model and done this and that. None claim I have credible evidence from my beneficiary. You can also check or research. So, that's why M&E matter, for to enhance projects' credibility on results and for to really worth the efforts and expenditures.