About Us
The Systems Monitoring Learning and Evaluation initiative, launched in 2023 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Strategic Innovation Unit and the Food Systems team (formerly known as the Food and Agricultural Commodity Systems), with the support of the Gates Foundation, aims to strengthen learning and adaptation in complex systems.
By equipping development actors with tools to navigate uncertainty, adapt to change, and achieve more sustainable impact, Systems MEL offers a practical response where traditional, linear approaches fall short.
At a time when development efforts are under increasing pressure to deliver better results with fewer resources, this initiative provides a timely response by fostering adaptive, systemic approaches.
Since its launch, this initiative has generated a wide range of resources — including case studies, reflection blogs and practitioner notes from the field — that showcase innovative and transformative approaches to MEL in complex systems. It has also convened a growing MEL Sandbox Community, in which we held a series of participatory events fostering peer learning, experimentation, and shared insights across diverse contexts. These resources are available here.
The journey culminates with the release of this digital MEL 360: bringing together approaches, tools, and insights in one evolving resource designed to support adaptive practice in complex environments.
Guidance Co-Development and Contributions
The guidance was co-developed by Andrea Estrella Chong and Zazie Tolmer (equal contributors), together with Andrea Bina, Suzane Muhereza, Charles O’Malley, Ida Uusikyla, and Federica Fregolent.
Its development was made possible through the generous support of the Gates Foundation, with special thanks to Hannah Reed.
A special thanks to the Centre of Public Impact for their collaboration in the early phase of the development of the guidance, with particular gratitude to Beatriz Cano Buchholz, Naja Nelson and Pravallika Valiveti. Also, thank you to Saumya Shruti, Javiera Godoy, Carolin Schramm, Courtney Lawrence and Sandra Andraka for facilitating engagement spaces. Dorcas Mutheu, Paula Chang, Pascal Olinga, Adrian Laurentiu Caicut, and Alan Hudson for focused reviews and input.
Developed through a highly collaborative process, this guidance ultimately brought together more than 160 practitioners from 77 organizations across five key engagement spaces.
Linked Content
How We Work with Partners
Explore our services in systems Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), adaptive learning, and experimentation.
We strengthen the ability of implementers and funders to apply systems-based MEL approaches that drive real-world change.Through training, mentorship, experimentation, and collaboration, we help teams and organizations turn learning into action.
Tailored Learning & Training
We design and deliver interactive learning experiences that respond to participants’ needs and contexts.
Coaching & Mentorship
We offer direct guidance and technical support to help teams translate theory into practice.
Applied Learning & Experimentation
We turn learning into measurable change through real-world application.
Learning with Partners
We partner with funders and institutions to strengthen Systems MEL across portfolios.
Ad-hoc Support
We partner with funders and institutions to strengthen Systems MEL across portfolios.