The APNODE Webinar Series kicked-off on 16 November 2020 with a webinar organized in collaboration with the APNODE National Chapter of Cameroon themed ‘Tools and methods (good practices) of evaluation for effective decision-making by parliamentarians.’
The webinar focused on the lessons and experiences of Cameroonian deputies and senators regarding the use of and benefits of evaluation in their daily activities, and the associated challenges. Sen. Etamé Massoma, Member of the Board of APNODE Cameroon, moderated the webinar. Panelists for the session were Hon. Njingum Musa, Member of the Board of APNODE Cameroon, and Hon. Élise Pokossy Doumbé, Chairperson of APNODE Cameroon.
Following the context setting by the moderator, panelists deliberated on the issues at hand and shared their insights and professional experiences. Hon. Elise Pokossy Doumbé, following a brief overview of the state of evaluation in Cameroon, noted in her opening statement that: “Evaluation in Cameroon has not yet been well implemented. Much effort needs to be done in that regard and opportunities should be given to Cameroonian parliamentarians to strengthen their capacities and knowledge in evaluation.” Hon. Njingum Musa, for his part, highlighted the historical background of APNODE Cameroon as well as its objectives and goals.
Deliberations thereafter focused on issues faced by Cameroon in applying evaluation at the National Assembly and Senate and the different tools used to enhance evaluation practices. The session moderator, Sen. Etamé Massoma, noted that very few evaluation tools are available to parliamentarians and senators; and called for a need for new training, and sensitization since new members have been voted into the National Assembly this year. Deliberations also emphasized the vision of APNODE, as some participants were unclear about the purpose and mandate of APNODE Cameroon. Hon. Njingum Musa informed the audience that that APNODE is a pan African network that was established in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in March 2014 and its membership is open to parliamentarians – both former and current. He further explained that APNODE does not intend to overshadow the work of the Financial Commission, which is at the centre of the monitoring and evaluation in Cameroon. Rather it seeks to complement such efforts to strengthen the evaluation culture I Cameroon. Hon. Elise Pokossy Doumbé as well supported that point made by Hon. Njingum Musa, and added that APNODE is a support tool that can be beneficial for parliamentarians and senators especially in terms of capacity building, which will help both parliamentarians, and senators to learn how to evaluate a budget or a public policy.
Members of APNODE Cameroon attended in their numbers as well as external participants from the evaluation sphere. Participants took the opportunity to ask questions and to seek clarity on the issues and insights shared by panelists. The event concluded on the necessity to train Cameroonian parliamentarians on evaluation methods and practices so they can impressively execute their oversight mandate within the National Assembly and Senate. In her concluding remarks, Hon. Pokossy Doumbé further called for a deepened collaboration between APNODE Cameroon and development partners.
Find the recording of the webinar below.