MONITORING AND EVALUATION TOOLS AND PERFORMANCE OF CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY PROGRAM IN KITUI COUNTY, KENYA

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate how monitoring and evaluation tools influence performance of climate smart agricultural productivity program in Kitui County, Kenya.   Theoretical Framework: Theory of change and systems theory stand out, providing a solid basis for understanding the context of the investigation.   Method: Descriptive survey, cross sectional and correlation research designs were used in the study. The sample size was 260 respondents. An open and close-ended questionnaire was used to collect data, which was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.   Results and Discussion: The results revealed that monitoring and evaluation tools have significant influence on performance of climate smart agricultural productivity program in Kitui County, Kenya. The study recommended that Monitoring and evaluation tools is a significant predictor of project performance. Therefore, program-implementing agencies should endeavour to incorporate monitoring and evaluation tools in their programs during design and implementation stages.   Research Implications: With increasing focus by the government in promoting agriculture for food and nutrition security, National Agriculture Research Systems institutions require more investments in innovative and beneficiary focused approaches.  Policy makers benefit from the outcomes of the current study in developing stratagems to enhance performance of agricultural programs.   Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by empirically establishing that monitoring and evaluation tools has a significant influence on performance. Further, it contributes to the theory by validating the theories underpinning the study.