Reshaping monitoring, evaluation and learning for locally led adaptation

This paper presents a review of opportunities and challenges in monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) for locally led adaptation. It is based on a review of MEL approaches, practices, and literature, as well as consultations with a range of actors involved in locally led adaptation MEL.

The paper proposes key considerations relevant throughout the MEL cycle that align with the principles for locally led adaptation:

• Recognition of and response to structural inequalities
• Promotion of local agency in decision-making
• Understanding climatic and contextual uncertainty and complexity
• Prioritizing learning processes
• Generating value for local stakeholders

To operationalize these considerations, the paper discusses approaches, methods, and tools specific to each phase of the MEL cycle.