Outcome could have been extended for a longer period than just one year, with stronger monitoring and evaluation (M&E) required. The program outcome was to maintain social welfare expenditure at least at MNT339 billion in 2017. A 1-year time horizon was too short. Even though social welfare expenditures increased in the following years, a 5-year time horizon may have been more appropriate to encourage sustainability. Furthermore, a stronger M&E system is required for social welfare programs since output 2 focused on improving their targeting. Both the program and its related TA could have supported efforts to strengthen M&E. This would have enabled the government to better assess whether the improvements in targeting led to lower exclusion and inclusion of beneficiaries and to adjust programs accordingly.
Social Welfare Support Program Phase 2