This review addresses two core research questions: (1) What is the empirical evidence linking M&E systems strengthening to improved evaluative evidence demand, supply, and/or use? and (2) Which case examples best exemplify this evidence? Understanding these questions is critical for practitioners and policymakers who seek to enhance the relevance, quality, and utilization of evaluation findings in shaping policies and programs. If M&E systems are weak, evaluative evidence may remain underused, resulting in missed opportunities for data-driven decisions. Conversely, well-functioning M&E structures may deepen government accountability, stimulate learning, and improve development out comes—though the strength and consistency of this relationship across contexts remains an open question.
