MONITORING AND EVALUATION (M&E) IN THE PADDY AND RICE SUBSIDY PROGRAMME: AN ANALYSIS
Mohamad Nazrain bin Nordin
DOI:
Keywords:
M&E, monitoring, evaluation, MAFS, paddy and rice subsidy
Abstract
The purpose of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is to identify successful programmes, address problems, track progress, and measure the effectiveness of programmes. This paper focuses on the application of M&E in monitoring the paddy and rice subsidy programme at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS). The Auditor-General’s (AG) Report, which publicised misappropriation within the paddy and rice subsidy programme, triggered the undertaking of this study. The report found, among other issues, that the fertiliser subsidy scheme or ‘Skim Baja Padi Kerajaan Persekutuan’ (SBPKP) received an excess claim amounting to RM178 million between 2016 and 2017. Data collection for this paper utilised the qualitative method. Key stakeholders in the study were officers from MAFS, Farmers Organisation Authority (FOA), Area Farmers Organisation (AFO), and National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS). Based on the analysis, the study identified communication and coordination issues within the MAFS organisation in overseeing the paddy and rice subsidy programme. The Principal-Agent Theory exemplifies the situation well, explaining the clear communication gap between the principal (the decision-makers at the head office) and the agents (implementing offices at the state and district levels). Messages from the principal were diluted as they flowed down to the agents, leading to non-compliance with directives. Nevertheless, this study suggests that the M&E Unit at MAFS could be helpful if mandated to observe the paddy and rice subsidy programme. Therefore, the paper suggests the following recommendations for MAFS: (i) upgrade the functions of the M&E Unit to perform complete M&E activities; (ii) strengthen the partnership between the M&E Unit and Internal Audit Unit for checks and balances; (iii) establish guidelines for extension services between MAFS and FOA to improve communication and coordination; (iv) revise the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 to include the provisions on paddy and rice subsidies, and (v) strengthen farmers’ cooperatives.
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