CBMS stands for Community-Based Monitoring System. It refers to a systematic and participatory approach to collect, analyze, and use data and information about communities, with the aim of improving local development planning and decision-making processes.
The CBMS is a method that involves communities themselves in gathering data on various socio-economic indicators, such as population, housing, education, health, livelihood, and infrastructure. This process is typically facilitated by trained local volunteers or enumerators who conduct surveys and interviews to collect the necessary data. The gathered information is then processed and organized into a local-level database, allowing for analysis and the generation of reports and indicators.
The main goal of CBMS is to empower communities and local governments by providing them with accurate and timely data that reflect the actual conditions and needs of the community. This allows for evidence-based decision-making, resource allocation, and program planning at the local level. CBMS fosters transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in local governance by ensuring that community members have a voice in the development process and that their needs and priorities are considered.
CBMS has been widely adopted by governments, international organizations, and NGOs as an effective and efficient tool for poverty analysis, monitoring progress, and designing targeted interventions. It promotes community participation, ownership, and empowerment in the development process, leading to more responsive and sustainable development outcomes.
