RECONSTRUCTING BASELINE DATA

The lack of baseline data is a recurring challenge in M&E that I have encountered throughout my experience, especially when frameworks require a direct comparison between baseline and endline data to measure changes over time. In practice, there are situations where baseline data are not collected at the beginning of a project, and implementation moves forward based on immediate contextual needs and operational priorities, without fully considering the data requirements outlined in the M&E framework.

To address this, I would like to share an old but still useful resource by Michael Bamberger that offers practical strategies for "reconstructing" baseline data. These include using recall methods and key informant interviews to capture early conditions, leveraging secondary sources, reviewing project-specific administrative records, and conducting group interviews to understand past socioeconomic characteristics and behaviors of the target population. 

These techniques can help address data gaps when evaluating project outcomes and impacts. That said, they need to be applied carefully by considering their strengths and limitations.

Therefore, these approaches should be used as contingency options rather than substitutes for proper baseline data collection during project design and inception.

Citation: “Bamberger, Michael. 2010. Reconstructing Baseline Data for Impact Evaluation and Results Measurement. PREM Notes; No. 4. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/11075 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”


Hnin Ei Lwin
#Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research #MEARL
#social #development #humanitarian #publichealth 

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