The humanitarian system was built around short term rapid-onset disasters. Today’s humanitarian landscape features continually changing, uncertain and long-term crises.
With more complex, protracted humanitarian emergencies, organisations must be able to adapt. Flexible funding from donors is key to helping them change tack.
Adaptive management approaches can help account for uncertainty and changes in circumstances. This non-linear approach requires flexible processes around planning, budgeting, reporting and many other areas. These flexible methods are not routinely practiced within the current system. Change is necessary.
Our research into adaptive approaches is designed to help agencies more effectively respond to the shifting waves of need.