The Value of MEAL in Humanitarian Projects

An Essential Course for Effectiveness and Transparency

In the humanitarian sector, the key to success lies not only in the implementation of projects, but also in the way they are monitored, evaluated and adapted throughout their life cycle. This is why MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) is an indispensable technical skill, which more and more organizations are integrating into the management of their interventions. Often compared to the eleventh player in a football team, MEAL represents that added value that makes the difference between a project that simply gets off the ground and one that has a lasting and tangible impact.

Who is MEAL and what does it actually do within a project?

Giulia Gemelli, who has been involved in the MEAL sector in INTERSOS since 2019, explained it to us during the workshop organized by INTERSOS LAB on October 16, 17 and 18. The introductory course presented in 9 hours the MEAL as a technical skill that is an integral part of the project cycle. In fact, the integration of the MEAL in the Project Cycle Management (PCM) is now a consolidated practice : the MEAL is not a separate activity, but a key element and an added value that must be present in all phases of the project: from the initial planning, up to the conclusion and evaluation of the results.

But why is it so fundamental ? Because it introduces a system of accountability and transparency within operations. Being transparent, in fact, means not only being clear in the results, but also ensuring that every decision taken is supported by verifiable and shareable data. MEAL not only guarantees accountability towards funders but also towards beneficiary communities, strengthening the transparency and effectiveness of interventions .

MEAL's work also affects data management and collection: in the process one of the fundamental principles is to focus on a standardized data collection system , allowing time and resources to be concentrated only on information that really influences the success of the project and to share it effectively. In fact, among its key functions, there is the creation of digital platforms for data collection, ensuring that the Databases are updated and easily accessible for reporting, ensuring the sharing of information both within the organization and with partners and donors.

If you are an operator involved in projects in the humanitarian or development sector and interested in developing technical skills in the field of MEAL and understanding how to integrate it into the life cycle of projects, the course proposed by INTERSOS Lab is your opportunity to acquire fundamental technical skills in this field. For more information you can visit the section dedicated to the Workshop on the INTERSOS LAB website!

Article written by Veronica Polizza, INTERSOS Lab intern, Oriental University of Naples