MEAL Plan and Budget

MEAL Roll Out

Yemen CO

Save the Children 1

FAILING TO PLAN

IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN…

YOU PLAN TO FAIL!!!

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I. Introduction (1/3) - Overview of this module

1. Introduction
2. What is an MEAL plan
3. The content of an MEAL plan
4. Key points to remember

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I. Introduction (1/3) - Overview of this module

Refreshers
Do you remember the definition of

» Means of verification / source of data

» Logical framework (result framework)

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2. What is an MEAL Plan ? What is the purpose of a MEAL
plan? (1/2)

MEAL Plan : What is it ?

• A MEAL plan is the project or programme’s roadmap to implementing the

MEAL related activities as intended, in a timely and efficient fashion, and to
ensure continuous learning throughout the project and programme cycle.

• Specifically, Save the Children defines a MEAL plan as a management tool that
can be used to monitor and evaluate interventions, projects or programmes.

• A summary of monitoring and evaluation activities, with budget, time-lines

and responsibilities

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2. What is an MEAL Plan ? What is the purpose of a MEAL
plan? (1/2)

• It provides space to identify the indicators or variables , the data collection

tools we need to measure these variables, data collection and data
management processes (including key staff responsible for such processes),
how resultant data can be shared and the key audiences with whom such
data should be shared.

• Because MEAL plans demonstrate our successes for projects/programmes

with proven results and document specific weaknesses for less successful
projects/programmes, they are useful tools for donors to make funding
decisions.

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2. Who should develop the Plan

• MEAL plan should be developed with the Programme Management team and
relevant partners and stakeholders to ensure ownership and sense of shared
responsibility, especially where they are responsible for any aspect of data
collection.

• If it is a medium or high-risk grant, the relevant Member HQ should receive the

final MEAL plan. Overall accountability lies with Country Office Director, and in all
Save the Children Declared and some non-declared emergency responses, with
the Response Team Leader.

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4. Components of the MEAL Plan? (1/1)

That said, the following components should be considered in MEAL plans

and budgets:

– project/programme goals , indicators and targets

– Sources of all the information needed for monitoring
– Source of data , ta Quality and Validation

– Definition of the indicators

– Planned studies and evaluations (projects/programme reviews, mid-term, final) , Real-time reviews (in
humanitarian responses) and Evaluations of Humanitarian Action
– Training and capacity strengthening of key staff on MEAL activities
– Monitoring roles and responsibilities
– Management Information system for data storage, management, and analysis
– Using the data – decision-making, dissemination and learning
– Accountability Activities (e.g. information needs assessment, establishing and maintaining complaints response
mechanisms, ways of sharing information and facilitating two way communications between beneficiaries and
Save the Children/our partners)
– Children and Stakeholder Participation
– MEAL budget (recommended 3-10% of total project/programme for MEAL activities)
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3. Plan Format

• MEAL plans come in different forms and agencies refer to such tools using a
variety of terms, including M&E Plan, Performance Monitoring Plan,
Monitoring Matrix and others.

• Save the Children has recommended categories to be included in MEAL

plans, but no prescribed format because the actual template depends on
donor or other context specific stakeholders.

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2 How do I get started? + Activity 3 (SAQ)

How do I get started?

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2 How do I get started? + Activity 3 (SAQ)

• Step 1: Identify your project/programme goals.

– The first step in creating a MEAL plan is to identify your programme or project goals and
activities that you plan to implement. A good MEAL plan begins with the specific objectives of
the project/programme.

• Step 2: Identify your project/programme indicators and targets.

– The second step in creating a comprehensive MEAL plan is to identify the indicators you will use
to measure the progress and achievements of your project/programme, as well as targets.

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2 How do I get started?

• Step 3: Select your data collection methods and data sources for prioritised indicators
in your MEAL plan.

– There are many ways to collect data. The choices you make will largely depend upon your
available budget and the availability of human resources. Key factors here include the availability
of skilled staff familiar with conducting monitoring and evaluation activities, the appropriateness
of the methodology for your MEAL objectives, and the context of your project/programme (e.g.
political, social, security). You will also need to determine whether any special studies will be
conducted and what study design will be used. You should also carefully consider the internal
and external capacity to conduct any special studies (this includes technical capacity as well as
cost considerations).

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2 How do I get started?

• Step 4: Decide upon your data analysis, quality assurance/validation and

• management strategy.

– Every comprehensive MEAL plan should include a method for analysing and assuring the quality
or validating the data you gather, both qualitative and quantitative. Linked with this can be a
capacity to strengthen strategy to enhance MEAL specific skills of staff. For example, workshops
to raise awareness of the MEAL plan, data collection methodologies and tool development,
familiarity with Excel or statistical software packages such as SPSS.
– The MEAL plan should also specify, for each indicator, the individuals or units
responsible for management and implementation of the MEAL plan, as well as how
the data will be received, stored and accessed. It should describe “data flow” from
initial collection to final storage (including physical storage of original data
collection tools and electronic databases) and use.

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2 How do I get started?

• Step 5: Identify your strategy for reporting and disseminating data.

– When crafting your MEAL plan and finalising the MEAL activities you will
implement, it is critical to consider if, when and how you will interact with
stakeholders and beneficiaries your project/programme serves with respect
to your MEAL activities
– A dissemination strategy is required that will specify how to deal with the
results of your MEAL activities, how widely you would like to circulate the
results and the stakeholders you wish to target. Stakeholders could include
learners, teachers, policy makers and other decision makers.

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3. Plan Format

• Do you have a question ?

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