Delivering research programmes in FCAS: Summary of lessons learned

Designing and delivering effective research programmes in fragile and conflict-affected settings, highlighting practical strategies for managing complexity, risk and uncertainty

This report outlines key lessons learned for designing and delivering effective research in fragile and conflict-affected settings, with a focus on flexibility, local ownership and practical implementation.

About this publication

Authors	Mark Engelbert, Paul Thissen
Publication date	December 2025
Publication type	Synthesis report
Programme / grant	GRTD Research Commissioning Centre (RCC), co-led by 3ie and University of Birmingham
Funding	Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) (UK Government)
Licence	Unless otherwise stated, content on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence (CC BY 4.0).

Abstract

This brief synthesises lessons from multiple streams of work undertaken by the Research Commissioning Centre (RCC) to support the effective delivery of research programmes in fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCAS). Drawing on evidence maps, programme reviews and evaluations, it identifies practical insights into the design, implementation and management of research in complex, high-risk environments.

The report highlights the distinctive challenges of FCAS, including insecurity, weak institutions, limited data availability, and operational constraints. It stresses the importance of clearly defined objectives, realistic scope-setting, and adaptive programme design to navigate uncertainty and disruption. It also examines persistent gaps in the research landscape (geographic, sectoral, and methodological) and emphasises the need for improved evidence on the effectiveness of interventions.

The findings underscore the value of embedding equity and inclusion from the outset, strengthening local ownership and leadership, and adopting flexible funding and management approaches. Overall, the brief provides actionable guidance for funders, commissioners, and researchers seeking to deliver impactful, ethically grounded research in fragile contexts.

Key findings

Research in FCAS is constrained by insecurity, weak institutional capacity, and access limitations, requiring adaptive and flexible programme design.
Significant gaps exist in geographic coverage, governance-focused research, and the use of rigorous causal methods such as impact evaluations.
Local ownership, inclusive design, and long-term capacity building are critical for relevance, ethical practice, and policy impact.

Key recommendations

Define clear, mission-critical objectives and design programmes with flexibility and interim outputs to adapt to changing conditions.
Select research methods that balance ambition with feasibility, while promoting mixed-method approaches and better use of existing data.
Embed equity, inclusion, and local leadership throughout programme design and implementation, supported by flexible funding and risk management mechanisms.

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Citation

Engelbert, M. and Thissen, P. (2025) Delivering research programmes in FCAS: Summary of lessons learned. London: GRTD Research Commissioning Centre.

References

References are provided extensively within the full report.

Supporting sources include evidence maps, programme reviews, academic literature on fragility and research methods, and evaluations of interventions and research delivery models in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

Open Access Statement

This research output is made available in accordance with the FCDO Open Access Policy (December 2025). As part of a programme within the scope of this policy, this publication is freely accessible to all users without financial, legal, or technical barriers.

The full text is provided under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence (CC BY 4.0), which permits use, distribution, and adaptation of the material in any medium, provided appropriate credit is given to the original authors and source.

This output has been made available through an approved open access route and deposited in a recognised repository in line with FCDO requirements, including compliance with any required timelines for open access publication.

Where third-party material is included, users should check the relevant rights statements before reuse.

Accessibility

Please contact rcc@3ieimpact.org if you require an accessible version of the full PDF.

Questions

For questions about this publication, email rcc@3ieimpact.org with ‘Delivering Research Programmes in FCAS’ in the subject line.