This publication offers a practical framework on how to design and implement project-level monitoring and evaluation systems. It addresses the planning, design, and early implementation stages of adaptation interventions. The paper firstly explores the importance of M&E; systems for climate change adaptation and identifies several core concepts to characterise M&E; for adaptation. On the basis of lessons learned of M&E; from earlier adaptation efforts, the report proposes a comprehensive six-step process to develop adaptation relevant M&E-systems; for use in developing countries.