Critical success factors  |   Time and Money  |   FAQ  |   Sean Light  |   Challenges  | 

Time and Money

The time required for applying SEAN varies greatly, from an average of about 6 months to a maximum of about 1.5 year. The variation appears to be based on the following variables mainly:

• Time available for the planning process, based on the policy framework and existing planning processes;
• Availability of existing data and information (e.g. national environmental action plans, rapid rural assessments, land-use surveys, gender analysis, etc.);
• Experience and expertise of the members of the SEAN team responsible for implementation;
• Level of application, complexity of the situation and desirable level of detail of final output;
• Effectiveness of local co-ordination and clarity of ownership.

The funding required for the whole process varies even more (between roughly US$ 20,000 and US$ 100,000), and mainly depends upon the following variables:

• Level of external support (facilitation, moderation);
• Level of motivation by local owner and willingness to invest own human resources in the process;
• Involvement of expensive consultants and specialised teams.

Though the SEAN Toolbox aims at providing practical guidance, potential users will normally need to consult a SEAN expert (facilitator) at the start of the process.