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The methodology adopted by the Adapta Sertão Network was developed following a rigorous analysis of the issues that limit the impact of the current government programs promoting the agricultural development of the semi-arid region. Through the implementation of the Pintadas Solar project (www.pintadas-solar.org), it was discovered that the majority of these programs do not take into account the local reality of these municipalities that are characterised by their limited access to technology, lack of qualified technical assistance, lack of low cost agricultural inputs, lack of relevant financing mechanisms and limited market access and commercialisation strategies. All these factors need to be addressed within the same municipality in an integrated way.
 The objective of the Adapta Sertão model is to reverse these deficiencies by developing a methodology that integrates technology, training, micro-finance and commercialisation in a way that allows the small rural agricultural producer to be self-sufficient, capable of generating an income and also that allows them to become a replicator of the model.
Adapta Sertão is linking clean water and energy technologies to social entrepreneurship to facilitate the structural changes that are needed to bring sustainable economic development in the region. The implementation is based on a participative community-led planning process which encourages the shared accountability between everyone involved. Special emphasis is given to monitoring the crop systems in a way that the farmers can see the positive effects and impacts for the farmers themselves, their families, society and the environment. The results are presented to the beneficiaries of the program and local communities, promoting learning and a positive change in mentality and culture.
 The methodology is based on four principle aspects that constitute the basis of the social technology:
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