Monitoring and Evaluation Strategies and Implementation of Biogas Projects in Secondary Schools in Nyagatare District, Rwanda
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53983/ijmds.v15n02.008Keywords:
Monitoring and Evaluation, Biogas Projects, Stakeholder Involvement, Capacity Building, Performance Indicators, Secondary Schools, RwandaAbstract
Background: Biogas projects in Rwandan secondary schools represent a strategic intervention toward achieving sustainable energy goals and environmental conservation. However, inconsistent implementation outcomes highlight the need for effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems. Objective: This study investigated the effect of M&E strategies on the implementation of biogas projects in secondary schools in Nyagatare District, Rwanda, focusing on stakeholder involvement, capacity building, and performance indicators. Methods: A descriptive survey design with a mixed-methods approach was employed. The target population comprised 1,992 individuals (72 headteachers, 170 parents, and 1,750 teachers), from which 334 respondents were selected using Slovin's formula. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, then analyzed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation, multiple regression) were applied. Results: Stakeholder involvement showed a strong significant relationship with project implementation (R = 0.641, R² = 0.411, β = 0.641, p < .001), with 92.3% of respondents affirming its positive impact. M&E capacity building demonstrated a moderate significant effect (R = 0.510, R² = 0.260, β = 0.510, p < .001), with over 94% agreement on its importance. Performance indicators exhibited a moderately strong relationship (R = 0.621, R² = 0.386, β = 0.621, p < .001), with 92.1% of coordinators recognizing their value in improving project quality and sustainability. Conclusion: Effective M&E strategies significantly enhance biogas project implementation in Rwandan secondary schools. Stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and performance indicators collectively account for substantial improvements in project efficiency, transparency, and long-term viability. Recommendations: Strengthen participatory M&E frameworks, invest in continuous capacity development, institutionalize performance indicators, promote supportive policies, and foster collaboration with technical partners.
References
[1] Ajzen, I. (2021). The theory of planned behavior: Frequently asked questions. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/hbe2.195
[2] Bekana, D. M. (2022). Digital monitoring tools and sustainable energy solutions in education sectors of developing countries. Renewable Energy Journal, 58(2), 102–115.
[3] Bond, T., & Templeton, M. R. (2020). History and future of domestic biogas plants in the developing world. Energy for Sustainable Development, 15(4), 347–354. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esd.2011.09.003
[4] Bryson, J. M., Crosby, B. C., & Bloomberg, L. (2023). Public value governance: Moving beyond traditional public administration and the new public management. Georgetown University Press.
[5] Cousins, J. B., & Whitmore, E. (2021). Framing participatory evaluation. New Directions for Evaluation, 1998(80), 5–23. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ev.1114
[6] Emmanuel, T. (2021). Local government support and sustainability of renewable energy projects in Rwanda. African Journal of Energy Policy and Management, 13(1), 44–59.
[7] GIZ. (2021). Sustainable energy for schools: Technical assessment report for Rwanda. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
[8] Hatry, H. P. (2020). Performance measurement: Getting results (2nd ed.). Urban Institute Press.
[9] International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2021). Global status of renewable energy: Regional trends in biogas. Abu Dhabi: IRENA.
[10] Jones, M., & Roberts, K. (2023). Impact of M&E capacity building on biogas project success in Sub-Saharan Africa. Energy Research & Social Science, 95, 102897.
[11] Kigwilu, P. C., & Houghton, J. (2020). Enhancing vocational education through stakeholder collaboration in Sub-Saharan Africa. International Journal of Educational Development, 72, 102112.
[12] Kuklinski, K., & Weinstein, A. (2021). Theory of Action and intervention effectiveness in renewable energy projects. Journal of Environmental Management, 292, 112774. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112774
[13] Ministry of Education (MINEDUC). (2021). Assessment report on functionality of biogas systems in Rwandan secondary schools. Kigali: Government of Rwanda.
[14] Ministry of Education (MINEDUC). (2023). Biogas implementation report in secondary schools. Kigali: Government of Rwanda.
[15] Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA). (2023). Rwanda national energy policy: Progress and evaluation of biogas projects. Kigali: Government of Rwanda.
[16] Mwangi, L. (2023). Role of stakeholder involvement in monitoring and evaluation of biogas projects in Kenya. Energy Policy, 171, 113221.
[17] NIRDA. (2020). Biogas technology and innovation roadmap for Rwanda. National Industrial Research and Development Agency.
[18] Niyonsenga, R. (2021). Influence of M&E training on biogas plant success in Rwanda. East African Journal of Renewable Energy, 12(2), 87–101.
[19] Nyagatare District Education Office. (2024). Biogas system performance in secondary schools: District report. Nyagatare District.
[20] Patel, R. (2020). The role of stakeholder involvement in biogas project success: Evidence from India. Energy for Sustainable Development, 58, 119–127.
[21] Patton, M. Q. (2021). Developmental evaluation: Applying complexity concepts to enhance innovation and use. Guilford Press.
[22] Ren, Y., & Wang, H. (2022). Biogas deployment in Asia: Lessons from China and India. Asian Renewable Energy Review, 12(1), 59–77.
[23] Rwanda Energy Group. (2023). Annual report: Electricity access and renewable energy initiatives. Kigali: REG.
[24] Smith, J., & Lacey, M. (2022). Stakeholder engagement in biogas project monitoring and evaluation: A multi-country analysis. Renewable Energy, 185, 1174–1186.
[25] World Bank. (2020). Clean cooking solutions in Africa: Biogas and beyond. Washington, DC: World Bank.
[26] Wright, A. (2022). Systematic review of global biogas project outcomes. Renewable Energy Research, 47(3), 234–251.
