LAUSR

Abstract The study discusses the contribution of volunteerism to monitoring and evaluation (M and E) of NGO projects using the case study of a NGO in Chegutu district, Zimbabwe. While there is significant body of literature on contribution of volunteerism to social development in Zimbabwe and elsewhere, there is no literature that specifically discuss the nexus between formal volunteerism and monitoring and evaluation. The study was limited to formal volunteerism organised in Non-Governmental Organisation. It emerged that volunteers perform several M and E roles that include data collection, reporting, feedback of project success, peer to peer mentoring and beneficiary verification. These roles are embedded in the broader project functions. While performing these roles several challenges affects the outcomes of M and E roles. Low literacy levels affect effective performance of M and E roles. Similarly, desire to sustain households’ livelihoods conflict with performance of M and E roles resulting in little commitment by some of the volunteers. Data in the study were collected from volunteers and NGOs officials. Data were collected using in-depth interview. The findings are presented and discussed thematically.