The Road to a Common MEL Framework: Where We Are and Where We’re Going

At SAN, we are committed to transforming agriculture through collective action. To show how we’re advancing our mission—and how collaboration makes us stronger—we are developing a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Framework. This framework will bring together data from across the network to clearly demonstrate the value of radical collaboration.

What Have We Done So Far?

Our first step was a review of MEL practices across the network to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for alignment.

We also analyzed member websites and annual reports to understand what data is being collected and publicly shared. This assessment helped shape the design of a strong and harmonized MEL framework that reflects our diverse approaches and contexts, while enabling shared measurement and reporting.

In the SAN Collective Impact Report 2024, we compiled data from members who completed the annual survey and were able to share impressive results on:

• Scale: 5,700+ projects across 118 countries on 5 continents, supported by a budget of USD 455 million and a team of 4,800 staff.

• Reach: 11.2 million farmers and 18.3 million hectares impacted through diverse interventions, including over 40,000 capacity-building sessions. We also highlighted knowledge generation for the common good: 550 publications, 100 advocacy efforts, and 1,000 public speaking engagements at sustainability events.

What’s Next?

Based on what we learned from the 2024 data collection process, we are improving the annual survey to make it more relevant and easier to complete. For the 2025 report, we plan to tailor questions to fit the size and focus of each member organization.

Looking ahead, we want to go beyond reporting scale and reach. To better demonstrate SAN’s collective impact, we aim to track not just outputs (like the number of training sessions or people reached), but also longer-term results—such as changes in behavior, adoption of sustainable practices, and tangible improvements in the areas we work (e.g., soil health, gender equity, or GHG emissions).

This will mark a major leap in how we communicate our impact. Our goal is to have this more robust impact framework fully in place before 2030.

In the meantime, we want all members to benefit from SAN’s collective data—whether for fundraising, communications, or other needs. That’s why, this year, we’ll be developing a dashboard based on a unified set of indicators to highlight the network’s achievements. This will be supported by an indicator manual with definitions and clear guidance on data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Stronger Together

A unified MEL framework is key to showing accountability to our stakeholders. It will also strengthen our case when applying for funding, building new partnerships, or developing business relationships.

We know the power of radical collaboration. Now we’ll have the tools to show it.

All members are welcome to join SAN’s MEL Framework Taskforce to reflect and provide input on the process. If you’re interested, please contact Eliane Augareils, MEKC Director.