"Robust monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and learning (MERL) are critical components of successful programming. The MERL components enable program stakeholders to monitor progress and evaluate the achievement of expected results. Reporting processes and timelines should be clearly defined and tailored to meet the needs of key audiences and stakeholders, and provision should be made for the program to continually reflect and learn from experiences gained during implementation. Measuring the success of peacebuilding programs poses specific challenges that are unique to this program area. This module was developed to guide PEACE III local program partners—peacebuilding practitioners—through the development and implementation of effective and practical MERL systems for their projects. This five-year cross-border peacebuilding program is implemented by Pact in partnership with Mercy Corps and a range of local partners with activities in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda. PEACE III aims to strengthen cross-border conflict management in the Horn of Africa and is pursuing two related objectives: 1) to strengthen local cross-border conflict management and 2) to improve the responsiveness of regional and national institutions to cross-border conflict. This manual was created to support and provide examples to peacebuilding practitioners and is an addition to Pact’s existing MERL Modules. Other useful examples of MERL training manuals for peacebuilding programs exist. This module does not seek to replicate those manuals, but rather draws on them and integrates their expertise here. Parts of this manual were also drawn from Pact’s MERL Modules but customized with practices and examples relevant for peacebuilding programs. It is the authors’ hope that this module can serve as an introduction to MERL for peacebuilding practitioners and can point them to other relevant resources in the field. Each begins with an outline of the learning objectives, includes learning activities throughout the chapters, and ends with a summary of key points and learning." (Introduction)