Fostering Collaboration: Enhancing Guidance Documents with CLA

The Feed the Future Knowledge, Data, Learning, and Training (KDLT) mechanism was asked by the USAID Bureau for Resilience and Food Security (RFS) to help co-design and lead a process to update 22 Global Food Security Strategy (GFSS) Activity Design Guidance documents (ADGs). This set the stage for a highly collaborative activity between RFS subject matter experts, key RFS activity leads and several members of the KDLT mechanism. Challenges such as limited resources, strict timelines, and managing complex multi-stakeholder processes were present. To address these challenges, KDLT employed several Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) approaches.

KDLT's CLA approaches with RFS focused on continuous learning and improvement, and knowledge management (KM). KDLT implemented streamlined KM processes, created templates and instructions for consistency, and fostered collaboration through coordinated meetings and feedback sessions. KDLT also developed a KM repository to assist future iterations of the ADGs.

Given the project's shifting expectations, multiple stakeholders, and dynamic timelines, KDLT felt it crucial to employ adaptive approaches. KDLT saw strong internal collaboration, adaptive management, and flexibility as necessary to overcome obstacles and keep the project on track. To mitigate limited resources, KDLT worked closely with RFS activity managers to make accurate scoping decisions, set clear timelines, and prioritize tasks. Effective communication, detailed project planning, and constant updates helped navigate the project's complexity. KDLT used practical instructions, reminder mechanisms, and clear communication channels to maintain clarity and alignment.

Creation of 22 GFSS ADGs that aligned with best practices and clarified concepts in the revised GFSS resulted from applying CLA, as well as a KM repository that would aid future iterations.