Adaptive program management in complex development ecosystems: Evidence from cross-sectoral interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa

Traditional linear development approaches have proven inadequate for addressing the complex, interconnected challenges facing adaptive program management in complex development ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa. This systematic review examines the effectiveness of adaptive program management (APM) approaches across multiple sectors in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. A systematic review of literature, policy documents, and program evaluation reports with empirical evidence spanning 2010-2025 was conducted. The focus was on cross-sectoral interventions utilizing adaptive management principles across agriculture, health, education, governance, and environmental management sectors.

Analysis of ten major adaptive programs revealed significant variation in effectiveness, with high-performing interventions (60-80% effectiveness) concentrated in crisis response and integrated ecosystem management contexts. The Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program and Ebola Response Programs achieved the highest effectiveness ratings through cross-sectoral integration and rapid response capabilities. Resource constraints emerged as the primary implementation challenge (affecting >70% of programs), followed by institutional capacity limitations and political/governance issues. Regional variations were evident, with East African programs demonstrating higher effectiveness rates than West and Southern African counterparts.

While adaptive management approaches show promise for complex development challenges, their effectiveness is highly contextual and depends on institutional capacity, resource availability, and environmental stability. Crisis response and ecosystem management programs outperformed individual behavior change interventions. Future adaptive programming should prioritize building foundational institutional capacity, developing surge response mechanisms, and emphasizing holistic systems-based approaches over narrow sectoral interventions.