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Monitoring strategy And data collection

Module 5: Monitoring tools

5.2 Context monitoring (timeline) tool

Context monitoring (timeline) tool provides a set of questions for reflection by project teams and partners as well as a framework for review using a timeline. This tool has been left deliberately broad for programmes to tailor it to focus on relevant changes for that context and programme. The tool can be used regularly as part of project monitoring by programme staff and partners. It is usually recommended to be carried out every quarter. Part A provides guiding questions for monitoring the context, which provides a basis for completing part B of the tool, where the key changes in the context can be mapped on a timeline as a visual aid.
Why use it? To map major events, processes and changes along with key programme outputs and outcomes to track changes to the context and their potential impact on the programme.

This tool is most useful at the implementation, monitoring and adaptation stage. If used for baseline or context analysis, it is also useful at the design stage. It is important to be aware that data collection methods should be considered at design stage in order to ensure the right methods have been selected for what the tool seeks to measure. It can be used together with:

1.1 Understanding the VE challenge

1.4 Prioritisation of factors

2.2 Articulating change

Part A: Context monitoring guiding questions

Framework for context monitoring questions


  • What were the PVE risks identified during the analysis/design stages of the programme? Are these still relevant? Are these still the most important factors? If yes retain, if no review.
  • How are these risks different for men, women, boys and girls?
  • How are these changes being monitored during project implementation?
  • How would you describe changes in the frequency or intensity of VE risks since the last review (monitoring)/over the life of the project (evaluation)?
  • Have any major VE-related events occurred during the reporting period? If yes, describe.
  • Have there been any significant prevention successes during the reporting period? If yes, describe.
  • Have other major events occurred during the reporting period? Consider conflict, political changes. If yes, describe.
  • Are there any environmental changes that have been observed in the project area that may affect project activities or stakeholders?
  • Are there any social, political or economic changes that may affect project activities or stakeholders?
  • How are these changes affecting men, women, boys, girls and different socio-economic groups?

  • Describe how project activities and stakeholders have been affected by other changes to the context.
  • Describe measures taken to address negative impacts, e.g. adjustments to project activities, support to stakeholders to manage the impacts.
  • Describe measures put in place that are tailored specifically to address the different needs of men, women, boys and girls from different socio-economic groups.
  • Describe the process to decide on the measures taken to address the negative impacts, including how stakeholders were involved in the decision.
  • Were the measures effective in managing the negative impacts? If not, what is proposed in the future to address the impacts?
  • What are the budget implications of adjustments to project activities and/or timeline?
Part B: Context timeline tool

Map the major events, processes and changes identified through the guiding questions, along with key project outputs and outcomes, along a timeline. (Figure 21)

Figure 21: Plotting a timeline of changes in the context