Municipal Perception of the Monitoring and Follow-up System in Costa Rica

Abstract

Introduction: In Costa Rica, achieving the goals of the National Risk Management Plan 2021–2025 contributed to strengthening risk management at the local level. Local governments report their progress annually through the Monitoring and Follow-up System, an online platform that facilitates tracking progress toward these goals and supports accountability.

Objective: To determine local governments’ perceptions of the Monitoring and Follow-up System, specifically through the experiences of institutional liaisons responsible for reporting progress toward municipal goals.

Method: An exploratory quantitative study was conducted between January and November 2022. The study population comprised 47 institutional liaisons from local governments, representing 60.2% of those who met the inclusion criteria. Data was collected through an opinion survey structured into two sections: sociodemographic variables and perceptions of the Monitoring and Follow-up System.

Results: Participants recognize the system’s usefulness for decision-making, transparency, and data collection. However, a substantial operational burden was identified, particularly in local governments without specialized offices. The main weaknesses include a lack of technical feedback, insufficient prior knowledge of the required evidence, and the platform’s rigidity in accommodating territorial characteristics.

Conclusions: Although the system is functional, it requires technical improvements, additional training, and closer support from the governing body to transform reporting into an effective self-assessment process that strengthens local governance.