This report reviews the state of the art in monitoring and evaluation in stabilization environments and suggests ways to improve practice. The report was commissioned by the United Kingdom's Stabilisation Unit and is based on a documentary review and a dozen interviews conducted with experts in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, the United Nations, the European Commission and the World Bank. The report argues that theories of change are central to effective M&E but remain scarcely applied in the field. It is suggested that contribution stories be used to develop these theories of change in a way which is adapted to the complex and turbulent environments in which stabilization operations take place. The report also points to the importance of moving from a view of M&E as an ad hoc process to integrating it to stabilization operations. Given the complexity and turbulence of stabilization environments, this would also allow monitors to retain flexibility, and adapt indicators when necessary.

"Prepared for the Stabilisation Unit (UK)"--T.p.

Monitoring and evaluation is central to learning lessons in stabilization interventions -- Monitoring and evaluation in stabilization interventions needs to move beyond conventional approaches -- Theory of change can underpin effective monitoring and evaluation -- Theory of change approaches need to be tailored carefully to the stabilization context -- Annex 1: a number of theories of change applicable to stabilization interventions -- Annex 2: OECD-DAC approach to monitoring and evaluation -- Annex 3: research methodology.