A critical review on current practices of the monitoring and evaluation in the preparation of strategic urban plans within the Egyptian context

Worldwide, strategic urban planning is found in very different contexts and planning schemes, where it is always a tool strongly linked to enhancing urban management. Under the umbrella of strategic urban planning different approaches can be perceived, in which within these broad shared characteristics there are significant variations. A key component in the strategic urban planning process is the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) element and these differences can be seen in the way that M&E is approached. Egypt is currently on the track to reform its planning system shifting from the conventional master plans towards strategic urban plans (SUPs). This paper reflects on the current practices of M&E the preparation of SUPs within the Egyptian context. It sheds light on the strengths and weaknesses of the employed techniques and concludes with some recommendations to improve the process of M&E, which builds upon the strengths in the employed techniques.

► A paradigm shift in planning schemes has been taken place in Egypt since 2007.
► Strategic urban planning is currently the dominant approach.
► The system of monitoring and evaluation has dramatically changed.
► Its primary thrust is to ensure participatory and subsidiary decision making.
► Such a change facilitates the potential for plan implementation.