Testing Adaptive Sequencing

Research focus

Testing Adaptive Sequencing is a research concept informed by FAHAP experience and the RETS framework. It examines a practical development question: when communities face multiple constraints, which interventions should come first, how should they be combined and when should support change?

Why sequencing matters

Farmer training may have limited effect without productive inputs or market demand. Market access may not help when production reliability is poor. Restoration incentives may be ineffective without durable livelihood alternatives. Research into sequencing can help distinguish which combinations of support are necessary in particular contexts.

Potential research questions

• How do initial conditions affect the benefits of different support packages?
• When do producer organisation and service access enable market participation?
• Which transition pathways improve household welfare and enterprise resilience?
• What indicators signal readiness to move from stabilisation to structured market activity?

Research design

Methods could include longitudinal monitoring, carefully constructed comparison groups, quasi-experimental designs or experimental approaches where ethical and operationally feasible. Final methods must be selected by qualified researchers in relation to the question, data and available funding.

Current stage

This is a concept under methodological and partnership development. It is not a completed impact evaluation and no causal results are claimed.