Monitoring and evaluation of control measures

Monitoring and Evaluation of Control Measures

Understanding Monitoring

  • Monitoring refers to the routine observation and recording of activities taking place in a project or programme. It includes the systematic collection and analysis of information on the characteristics and outcomes of relevant aspects, such as pest populations, damage and control measures.

  • The process provides insight into whether efforts are on target or if adjustments are required. It forms the foundation of effective pest and disease management.

  • Pest monitoring includes both field scouting (observation) and the use of tools and traps to detect pests at early stages when they are easiest to manage.

  • Regular monitoring provides valuable information on when the pests are most vulnerable, thus helping to optimise timing of control measures.

Evaluation in Pest and Disease Management

  • Evaluation, on the other hand, is the systematic examination of a completed project or programme, to assess its design, implementation and results. In the context of pest and disease management, this refers to assessing the success and failures of the control measures.

  • Evaluation can use quantitative methods, such as counting pests or measuring extent of damage, and qualitative methods such as assessing overall health or productivity of the plants post control measures.

  • The process helps to determine the effectiveness and efficiency, and to draw learnings and insights that aid future planning and decision-making.

Importance of Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Together, monitoring and evaluation are critical for effective garden, wildlife and agricultural management. They help to track progress, make mid-course corrections, accelerate implementation, measure effectiveness and draw lessons.

  • Both processes can lead to improved decision-making, enhanced accountability, better understanding about what works and what doesn’t in pest and disease control.

  • They also contribute to understanding the direct and indirect impacts of control measures on the overall health and biodiversity of a system.

  • Regular monitoring and evaluation can optimise resource use and lead to overall improvement in strategies and practices, generating better outcomes in managing pests and diseases effectively.