Policy monitoring refers to the systematic and continuous process of collecting, analysing and using information to assess whether a policy is being implemented as planned and whether it is producing the intended results. It is an essential part of the policy cycle because policy formulation alone cannot guarantee successful outcomes. Monitoring provides regular information about implementation, identifies deviations, reveals emerging problems and helps decision-makers take corrective action. The significance of policy monitoring can be understood in several ways. First, it promotes accountability by ensuring that government departments, agencies and implementing organisations remain responsible for the resources and activities entrusted to them. Second, monitoring helps assess whether policy objectives are being achieved within the stipulated time and available resources. Third, it improves efficiency by identifying delays, duplication, wastage and inappropriate allocation of resources. Fourth, monitoring strengthens transparency because information about implementation and performance can be communicated to stakeholders and citizens. Fifth, it provides evidence for policy revision and future planning. In conflict-sensitive policies, monitoring is particularly important because it can identify grievances, unequal distribution of benefits and emerging tensions before they develop