Traditional M&E systems focus on measuring the process of project implementation and service delivery, with the emphasis being on upward financial accountability. Although this monitoring of project activities is an important management function and the information is useful in attributing impact to a given intervention, such M&E data do not inform about the real impact of a project on the lives of participating communities. Mercy Corps experience shows that where project participants are included in the impact assessment process, this can create an opportunity to develop a learning partnership involving the implementing partners and the participating communities.