Overview

USAID utilizes multiple methods to monitor and verify that resources are being used to accomplish intended goals, and to assess the impact of investments.  Monitoring is built into all stages of the USAID/Somalia program cycle, and monitoring by implementing partners is supplemented by quantitative and qualitative verifications and analyses by independent entities.  USAID/Somalia maintains one independent contract to verify, evaluate and assess USAID-funded activities, and help ensure responsible stewardship of foreign assistance resources.

Somalia Program Support Services (SPSS)

SPSS conducts on-going field visits to a representative sample of USAID-funded activities in Somalia to monitor progress and verify results.  Monitoring teams interview activity participants, local citizens and government representatives to gain a well-rounded understanding of project successes and challenges.  SPSS reports to USAID staff to allow prompt responsiveness to program management needs, and to document and share lessons from the field.  In addition, SPSS conducts baseline assessments and performance evaluations, as well as surveys, studies, and quantitative and qualitative assessments of overall progress made toward achieving USAID’s goals.

By using smart phones for data collection, SPSS is able to take photos and track activity locations all across Somalia using global positioning system technology, which allows USAID staff to confirm that funds are used appropriately.  Findings from SPSS reports are shared with relevant Somali government authorities to promote greater transparency and accountability, and improve USAID’s partnership with local stakeholders.