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NITA AccreditedIntermediatePhysical + Virtual10 daysDCTMEC

Training on Data Collection Tools for Monitoring & Evaluation

Master data collection tools for monitoring and evaluation. Learn to use a variety of data collection methods, including surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and mobile data collection tools, to gather accurate and reliable data.

Next intake

20 Jul 2026 · Nakuru

View all dates

Duration

10 days

Live instruction

Delivery

Physical + Virtual

Cohort based

Level

Intermediate

Working professionals

Certification

NITA reimbursable

For Kenyan cohorts

Language

English

All materials

Overview

About this programme

Data Collection Tools for Monitoring & Evaluation Course provides participants with essential skills and knowledge to effectively design, implement, and utilize various data collection tools in Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) frameworks. The course covers a range of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, tools, and technologies, ensuring participants are equipped to gather accurate and relevant data to inform project decision-making and enhance the effectiveness of programs. Participants will also learn about ethical considerations, data management, and how to tailor data collection tools to specific M&E needs.

Duration

10 Days

Who Should Attend

  • M&E professionals looking to enhance their data collection skills.
  • Project managers and coordinators involved in M&E activities.
  • Researchers and data analysts in development projects.
  • Program officers and field staff responsible for collecting and reporting data.
  • NGO staff working in program design, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Government officials and consultants involved in M&E tasks.
Learning outcomes

What you'll walk away with

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the principles and importance of data collection in M&E processes.
  • Identify and select appropriate data collection tools for various types of data.
  • Design and customize data collection tools to suit specific M&E needs.
  • Implement effective data collection strategies in the field.
  • Ensure the reliability, validity, and ethical considerations of data collection.
  • Manage and store collected data efficiently for analysis.
  • Utilize digital tools and technologies for data collection.
  • Analyze collected data to inform program decisions.
  • Troubleshoot common challenges in data collection.
  • Integrate data collection findings into comprehensive M&E reports.
Course modules

What we cover, module by module

Module 1: Introduction to Data Collection in M&E

  • The role of data in M&E
  • Types of data (quantitative, qualitative)
  • Data collection planning
  • Case Study: Improving data-driven decision making in an NGO program
  • Practical: Develop a basic data collection plan for a project

Module 2: Surveys and Questionnaires

  • Types of surveys (mail, telephone, online, face-to-face)
  • Questionnaire design principles
  • Survey sampling techniques
  • Case Study: Designing a national household survey for development planning
  • Practical: Create a structured questionnaire for a sample study

Module 3: Interviews and Focus Groups

  • Types of interviews (structured, semi-structured, unstructured)
  • Conducting effective interviews
  • Facilitating focus group discussions
  • Case Study: Using FGDs to assess community health service delivery
  • Practical: Develop an interview and FGD guide

Module 4: Observations

  • Types of observations (participant, non-participant)

  • Observation techniques
  • Developing observation checklists
  • Case Study: Classroom observation for education quality improvement
  • Practical: Design an observation checklist for field use

Module 5: Document Review

  • Types of documents (reports, records, policies)
  • Document analysis techniques
  • Assessing document reliability
  • Case Study: Using document review in evaluating a public policy program
  • Practical: Analyze sample program documents and extract findings

Module 6: Mobile Data Collection

  • Introduction to mobile data collection tools
  • Designing mobile data collection forms
  • Data synchronization and management
  • Case Study: Real-time monitoring of field projects using mobile tools
  • Practical: Design a simple mobile data collection form

Module 7: Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

  • Introduction to GIS for M&E
  • Data collection using GPS
  • Creating maps and spatial analysis
  • Case Study: Mapping service delivery coverage in rural areas
  • Practical: Plot sample M&E data using GIS tools

Module 8: Participatory Data Collection Methods

  • Community-based monitoring and evaluation
  • Participatory rural appraisal (PRA)
  • Photovoice
  • Case Study: Community-led monitoring in a development project
  • Practical: Design a participatory data collection exercise

Module 9: Data Quality Management

  • Data validation and cleaning
  • Data verification and auditing
  • Data security and confidentiality
  • Case Study: Improving data quality in a large-scale health survey
  • Practical: Identify and correct errors in a sample dataset

Module 10: Emerging Data Collection Technologies

  • Social media monitoring for M&E
  • Big data and M&E
  • Ethical considerations in data collection
  • Case Study: Using big data for disaster response monitoring
  • Practical: Explore an emerging data tool and propose its M&E use case
Impact

Where the change lands

Organizational Impact

  • Collect accurate, reliable, and timely data for better insights and decision-making.

  • Streamline processes with modern digital tools, reducing time and costs.

  • Produce high-quality, credible reports that strengthen funding opportunities.

Personal Impact

  • Gain practical, in-demand technical skills for effective M&E.

  • Build expertise for career growth in M&E, research, or program management.

  • Develop confidence to lead data collection and ensure data integrity.

Dates and locations

Upcoming intakes

Every intake is limited to a small cohort. Booking closes when a date fills or three weeks before the start, whichever comes first.

Full calendar
FAQs

Common questions.

Still not sure? Send us a note and a facilitator will get back to you within a business day.

The goal is to equip you with the skills to use modern data collection tools for M&E. You'll learn to design digital surveys, collect high-quality data in the field, and manage it efficiently.

Course finder

Find the right course for you

Prefer to talk it through? Send us an enquiry and a facilitator will scope a fit within a business day.

For corporate teams

Training 10+ professionals?

We deliver Training on Data Collection Tools for Monitoring & Evaluation in-house at your offices, at a venue we arrange, or fully virtual. Customise the curriculum against your KPIs, and get a bespoke price for the cohort size you need.