Navigating adaptive approaches for development programmes: a guide for the uncertain

This briefing note explores how DFID can design and manage flexible systems to deal with complex development challenges.

Adaptive programmes can be accountable, rigorous and high quality in how they use evidence by taking an ’adaptive rigour’ approach.

One of the most important lessons to emerge in international development over the past two decades is that institutions matter, and that behind institutions lie politics. But making this operational has proven much more difficult: what is needed is a shift not only to think politically but also to work differently.