Different Ways to Monitor urban and peri-urban agriculture in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Petra Jacobi and Suzan Kiango

In: UA Magazine 5 - Methodologies for UA research, policy development, planning and implementation

In Tanzania, urban and peri-urban agriculture is a well-known activity and has reached the level of official acceptance (Jacobi et al. 2000). Systematic monitoring and evaluation as well as channelling generated information and feedback from the field to the relevant levels has supported this acceptance. A balance is sought between "conventional" and "participatory" monitoring. Both "hard data" are necessary, as is a system that allows primary stakeholders to monitor and evaluate their activities using different methods and their own indicators. Truly appropriate monitoring and evaluation should enhance internal learning and provide evidence to support qualitative statements about the impact of an action. This information can be relevant to members of the community and to decision-makers.