How are M&E systems strengthening approaches defined and conceptualized in the literature? This question has gained increasing prominence as governments, development partners, and research institutions emphasize the importance of robust and sustainable monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practices. Strengthening M&E systems goes beyond technical capacity alone: it involves fostering a culture of evaluation, ensuring political support, and embedding M&E within policy and governance processes to enhance accountability and evidence-based decision-making (CLEAR-AA, 2020, pp. 4, 15, 24). Given the heightened demand for reliable performance and outcomes data – especially in the con text of global development goals and public-sector reforms – a clear understanding of M&E systems strengthening is vital to ensure interventions are both context-sensitive and durable. This review is structured into four main sections. First, it offers a working definition of M&E systems strengthening, drawing on key sources that explicitly address the term. Next, it examines core concep tual frameworks and approaches often discussed in the literature, organized under three themes: (1) multi-level capacity building, (2) institutionalization and policy integration, and (3) enabling environ ments and contextual factors. Following that, the review explores gaps and emerging insights, shed ding light on unresolved challenges and notable shifts in practice. Finally, it concludes with a synthesis of the main findings and reflections on future directions.
