In the development sector, change is constant—but not always predictable. From shifting donor landscapes and political transitions to emerging technologies and economic shocks, organizations must adapt quickly or risk becoming irrelevant.

In such a dynamic environment, resilience—the ability to absorb shocks, adapt, and thrive—is a necessity.

But how can development organizations build resilience in practical, human-centered ways?

One powerful tool is the ADKAR® Model—a structured approach to managing change at the individual level, developed by Prosci®.

What is the ADKAR® Model?

ADKAR is an acronym that outlines the five key outcomes individuals need to achieve for change to stick:

1. Awareness of the need for change
2. Desire to participate in and support the change
3. Knowledge of how to change
4. Ability to implement the required skills and behaviors
5. Reinforcement to sustain the change

Unlike broad frameworks that focus on systems or structures, ADKAR zeroes in on people—the true drivers of change. And in the development sector, where people are the heart of impact, that makes all the difference.

Why ADKAR Builds Resilience

1. Puts People at the Center of Change

Resilient organizations are made up of resilient people. ADKAR provides a roadmap to help individuals process, internalize, and embrace change—whether it’s a shift in funding priorities, a new digital tool, or a restructuring initiative.

By focusing on individual transitions, ADKAR ensures that no one gets left behind.

2. Provides Clarity in Uncertain Times

Many development organizations operate in complex, ambiguous contexts. ADKAR helps cut through that uncertainty by providing a step-by-step process for managing change. It asks the right questions:

• Do people understand why this change is needed?
• Are they motivated to take part?
• Do they know what to do—and how?

This clarity builds confidence and consistency, even when circumstances are volatile.

3. Enables Systematic Capacity Building

Whether working with field teams, local partners, or internal staff, development organizations often struggle with uneven change adoption. ADKAR allows teams to diagnose and address resistance, build capability, and scale adoption across diverse contexts.

It’s not just about introducing change—it’s about embedding it sustainably.

4. Improves Speed and Sustainability

In fast-moving crises or donor-driven timelines, there’s pressure to deliver change quickly. But speed without adoption leads to waste. ADKAR helps organizations move quickly and effectively—by aligning technical delivery with human adoption.

Real-World Applications in the Development Sector

Here’s how ADKAR can support resilience in real scenarios:

• Donor Transitions: Helping staff and communities adapt to changes in program focus or funding
• Technology Rollouts: Ensuring that teams not only receive new tools—but use them effectively
• Organizational Restructuring: Managing uncertainty, retaining talent, and rebuilding morale
• Localization Efforts: Supporting partners through leadership shifts and capacity strengthening

Concluding Thoughts

Resilience in the development sector doesn’t come from processes alone—it comes from people who are prepared, equipped, and supported through change. The ADKAR® Model offers a practical, evidence-based way to build that resilience one person at a time.

At Cedar Africa Group, we help development organizations navigate change with confidence. Whether you’re preparing for a transition, launching a new initiative, or recovering from disruption, we equip your teams with the tools to adapt and thrive.

Interested in using ADKAR to build resilience in your organization?
Email us at [email protected] to learn more about our change management training and support services.