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SEADS APPROACH

Learn more about our evidence-based, livelihoods-based, and rights-based approach.

Evidence-based Approach

To develop the 2022 edition of the SEADS Handbook, we drew on a systematic review of over 250 evaluations of crop-related responses in humanitarian crises. The review focused on livelihoods, food security, and nutrition impacts of the main types of crop-related crisis response. The types of responses we reviewed included seeds, tools, and other inputs; producer training; pest and disease control; and market support. We used an evidence checklist to categorize documents as strong, moderate, or weak.

The SEADS Evidence Database contains the main documents we used to develop SEADS.

We detail the results of the first evidence review in this learning brief.

The evidence checklist is based on guidelines produced by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (now the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) and United States Agency for International Development; experience with developing the LEGS Impact Database; and commonly used criteria for the peer review of scientific journal papers.

Evidence-based Approach

To develop the 2022 edition of the SEADS Handbook, we drew on a systematic review of over 250 evaluations of crop-related responses in humanitarian crises. The review focused on livelihoods, food security, and nutrition impacts of the main types of crop-related crisis response. The types of responses we reviewed included seeds, tools, and other inputs; producer training; pest and disease control; and market support. We used an evidence checklist to categorize documents as strong, moderate, or weak.

The SEADS Evidence Database contains the main documents we used to develop SEADS.

We detail the results of the first evidence review in this learning brief.

The evidence checklist is based on guidelines produced by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (now the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) and United States Agency for International Development; experience with developing the LEGS Impact Database; and commonly used criteria for the peer review of scientific journal papers.

SEADS Evidence Checklist Indicators

Click here for an explanation of the indicators.
Livelihoods context is clearly understood and described
Livelihoods impacts are measured and analyzed
Evaluation design is aligned to intervention objectives
Design, methods, biases, and limitations are clearly described
Different interventions are compared where possible
Mixed methods and triangulation are used
Measurements and indicators are relevant
Sampling is appropriate relative to time and cost
Social equity component is considered
Plausibility statements are included
Attribution is analyzed
Findings flow clearly to the conclusions

Stronger Evidence

We continue to use the checklist to review and categorize documents and add them to the database. If you have evaluations or impact assessments that you would like SEADS to review, please contact the SEADS Coordinator.

Livelihoods-based Approach

Saving lives and livelihoods is a widely recognized core aim of humanitarian programming. Livelihoods are the capabilities, assets, and activities required to make a living. SEADS livelihood objectives define the desired livelihood impacts of any crop-related crisis response. Working toward these objectives will improve the quality of crop-related crisis responses and the likelihood that such responses will have an impact on livelihoods.

Objective 1: To provide immediate livelihood benefits to people affected by crisis

Objective 2: To protect crop-related livelihoods of people affected by crisis

Objective 3: To rebuild or support crop-related production, infrastructure, and systems to ensure livelihoods for people affected by crisis

Livelihoods-based Approach

Saving lives and livelihoods is a widely recognized core aim of humanitarian programming. Livelihoods are the capabilities, assets, and activities required to make a living. SEADS livelihood objectives define the desired livelihood impacts of any crop-related crisis response. Working toward these objectives will improve the quality of crop-related crisis responses and the likelihood that such responses will have an impact on livelihoods.

Objective 1: To provide immediate livelihood benefits to people affected by crisis

Objective 2: To protect crop-related livelihoods of people affected by crisis

Objective 3: To rebuild or support crop-related production, infrastructure, and systems to ensure livelihoods for people affected by crisis

Rights-based Approach

A rights-based approach encourages participation, empowerment, accountability, and non-discrimination when delivering crisis response or development programs. While all human rights are important, SEADS focuses on those most relevant to crops:

The right to food
Crop producers have a right to assistance to protect and rebuild the livelihoods that provide food for themselves and their communities. The right to food is an inclusive right that is realized when food is available, accessible, and adequate.

The right to life with dignity
Crop producers have a right to assistance to maintain a dignified standard of living that supports their families. Active community participation is critical to supporting the dignity of crisis-affected crop producers.

Rights-based Approach

A rights-based approach encourages participation, empowerment, accountability, and non-discrimination when delivering crisis response or development programs. While all human rights are important, SEADS focuses on those most relevant to crops:

The right to food
Crop producers have a right to assistance to protect and rebuild the livelihoods that provide food for themselves and their communities. The right to food is an inclusive right that is realized when food is available, accessible, and adequate.

The right to life with dignity
Crop producers have a right to assistance to maintain a dignified standard of living that supports their families. Active community participation is critical to supporting the dignity of crisis-affected crop producers.