Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation - Afforestation, Reforestation and Forest Restoration in Arid and Semi-arid Tropics - page 221

Data obtained from field functionaries or supervisors should be test-checked dur-
ing inspections to ensure its accuracy. Numerous inspections scheduled at different
times of a plantation's life cycle should be carried out with the relevant data sheets
in hand—especially the original record of work such as measurement books, maps
and plantation journals.
Quantitative checks on data are also important, especially in case of sections
of S&WC structures and other engineering structures. Techniques of measurement
and the units used in measurement of different quantities should follow prescribed
standards. Quick and efficient ways of verifying cross-sections and alignment of
S&WC works should be devised beforehand. It will be seen that if the appropriate
type of instrument is used and the right technique is followed, it is possible to quickly
and effectively carry out large-scale qualitative and quantitative checks within limited
time.
Enumeration of structures or of plants is an important work in monitoring. An
enumeration work can be quite tiresome in a complex and rugged terrain where
the plants will not form a regular geometric pattern. A technique using pre-counted
whitewashed pebbles to mark items is often a convenient method of counting pits
and plants. In case of flat land and regular spacing of plants in straight lines, it is
possible to estimate the number by measuring the average space between plants and
the total area of the site. It is also possible to count the rows and the columns and
then arrive at the correct number.
Field data should be collected at all stages, and in as detailed form as possible. It
is desirable that all data be collected in prescribed forms, which should be standard
across all divisions, units and sub-units. Set of forms to be used at a particular level
should be thoroughly understood by the person filling it, and should be filled in real-
time on the basis of actual field measurements. An example of a real-time record
is the Daily Work Measurement Log (Fig. 9.3 ), which is filled in by the supervisor
or the VFPMC volunteer daily. Similarly, the form recording stock of plants in a
nursery, filled in by the supervisor and then checked and countersigned by the Unit
Manager, is also an example of real-time record.
The most important real-time data come from the daily work measurement log
(DWML, a journal) which contains description and measurement of all work executed
on a day. It could be the polypots filled, the pits dug, the trench-length sown, or
plants hoed—data that is site-specific, real-time, and original. The DWML therefore
is fundamental to data collection. No picture can be true to field conditions if it is
not supported by this kind of data.
Periodic progress reports are forms designed specifically to watch progress of
work. The reports could be weekly, monthly or quarterly. These are not original
data; rather, these are compiled from the real-time field data. A comprehensive
system of such reports should ensure that no aspect of the programme is inadvertently
overlooked.