Bridging the gap: success factors in humanitarian–development integration and links with peacebuilding

It has long been argued that better integration of humanitarian relief and development assistance could substantially improve the efficacy of these functions and program impact. While a succession of policy instruments aim for this “common sense” objective, its achievement within operational practice remains elusive, and there has been little mapping of program-level use and good practice exemplars. This review of program data (1990–2025) identifies (1) strategic and operational strategies which successfully integrate humanitarian–development (“dual nexus”) functions and (2) strategic and practice approaches that support their integration into triple nexus programming. The review findings showed that effective dual nexus programming is concentrated in post-disaster recovery, DRR, and programs with comprehensive livelihood pathways. Post-conflict programs with deliberative community co-design, co-creation of mutual assets, and financial citizenship, experienced the greatest impact. The findings contribute to the empirical basis that is needed regarding functional coordination and optimisation within triple nexus programming.