Review of MLA R&D communication and extension evaluation

Summary

The purpose of this project was to develop and document a Monitoring and Evaluation and Reporting (MER) Framework for Meat & Livestock Australia's (MLA's) On-farm R&D work.  The aim of the project is to maximise consistency and ease of MER across program partners, ensuring that MLA can work collaboratively with them to report effectively on the impact of MLA funded project work.  Subsequently the notion of addressing the next steps to make such a Framework operational through developing the M&E Guide took shape as the ultimate outcome that would inform on-ground action.  
The resultant draft MER Framework for MLA's On-farm R&D work is based on a series of principles developed from consultation with a group of internal, external and partner stakeholders.  These principles were regarded as being relevant to guide the implementation over time of a final evolving Framework contained in the M&E Guide which would in turn guide Framework implementation.  Effective framework implementation will require buy-in from MLA Program Managers and Project Leade​rs, partner representatives and non-MLA personnel who work for MLA at a program and project level (including the public and private sector).  Therefore the implementation processes will have to recognise the varied drivers and organisational responsibilities for MER across these groups.  This very defined and clear guidance on what needs to be done, why and how has been built into the M&E Guide to support its implementation over time.  Key findings and Recommendations were made to guide this next phase of the project in which the M&E Framework and Guide can / will be implemented.  A series of Action Steps were proposed.