Performance Monitoring with Layers: Adapting Elements for Use in MYAP and M&E Systems

Presented by: Gilles Bergeron from Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance II (FANTA-2)

Layers is a tool designed to facilitate monitoring and oversight of Title II programs by USAID managers. This is a useful tool for the USAID Missions that need a systematic, rigorous, statistically reliable method for assessing implementers’ delivery of goods and services in Title II activities. Layers is used to assess the implementation of MYAP operations ranging from the conditions of storage in commodity warehouses, to the quality of services delivered by the implementing agencies in their MCHN or agriculture training, Food for Work, food distribution and other interventions.

Layers bundles several methods and technologies into a single package. One of the key methods used in Layers is Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS), a sampling approach originally developed to test the quality of manufactured goods. With LQAS, statistically valid conclusions can be drawn with a relatively small sample size. Layers starts with the assumption that programs are performing adequately; the LQAS sample then allows Layers to identify indicators for which program performance is particularly low.

This session was designed to help participants understand Layers; the indicators it tracks; and where Layers has been implemented to date. In addition, the session explored the significance of Layers to Title II implementers, including potential benefits of Layers; and options and pitfalls when adapting Layers for MYAP Monitoring and Evaluation needs.