Activity 2.3.1: Monitoring and Evaluation
On 30th March 2026, a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) field visit was conducted in Mungule, Chibombo District. The activity was conducted by AHDI, specifically by the Executive Director and the Project Officer . The purpose of the visit was to monitor advocacy groups made up of women, men and youth group to assess progress made on key action points, evaluate the functionality of community-based groups, and examine the level of inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities, particularly women. The visit also aimed to verify data collected, assess stakeholder engagement, identify challenges affecting implementation, and provide recommendations to strengthen project delivery and impact.
A total of thirty-three (33) members comprising of four (4) males and twenty-nine (29) females from five (5) locations (Mutakwa, Kapopo, Moomba, 10 Miles and Katete) participated in the activity by responding to the questions in the monitoring tool. The tool focused on: Progress on Specific Action Points, Verification of Data Collected; Functionality of Groups Formed; Engagement and Influence; Inclusion & Participation; Key Outcomes/Changes; Challenges; and Recommendations.
SUCCESSES
The project recorded several positive outcomes.
One of the most notable outcomes was the rapid formation and functionality of savings (Chisomo and Destiny) and advocacy groups, which exceeded initial expectations in both participation and performance. The Chisomo Savings Group and Destiny Savings Group, formed around November/December 2025, emerged as highly functional Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) with a membership of 15 individuals (11 females and 4 males) for the former and later with 14 female membership. The groups held regular meetings, maintained proper financial records, and demonstrated strong financial discipline. In addition, Destiny groups had savings amounting to K8,150 during the reporting period, with individual contributions ranging from K20 to K1,000. This level of commitment reflects growing financial inclusion and increased economic resilience among women with disabilities and other community members. These groups have not only provided financial support but have also become important platforms for peer learning, confidence building, and social support.
In parallel, three advocacy groups were formed across the targeted communities (Mutakwa, Kapopo, Moomba, 10 Miles, and Katete) following earlier advocacy capacity-building interventions conducted in November 2025. These groups, comprising both persons with and without disabilities, began engaging with local leadership structures during the reporting period. While still in the early stages of implementation, they have initiated dialogue with village headpersons, traditional leaders, and selected civic actors on issues of accessibility, disability rights, and inclusion. Their formation and early engagement demonstrate a growing culture of grassroots advocacy and collective action.
Another outcome was the identification and inclusion of previously hidden persons with disabilities. Through door-to-door sensitisation and community outreach, advocacy groups identified cases of individuals such as a 19-year-old person with a disability who had been kept out of public view due to stigma and discrimination. This outcome highlights both the persistence of negative social norms and the effectiveness of the project’s community engagement strategies in breaking barriers, promoting visibility, and facilitating inclusion into support systems and community structures.
Furthermore, the project achieved wider community outreach than initially anticipated, reaching at least 31 households through awareness and mobilisation activities aimed at revitalising ZNADWO structures at community level. This contributed to increased awareness of disability rights, improved community responsiveness, and strengthened local ownership of the project.