The DESIRE Project followed the sequence of steps from 1 to 8, to provide a full evaluation of strategies chosen for trial in the study sites.
1-2    The starting point. Identify system boundaries, stakeholders and their goals. Describe socio-cultural, economic, technological, political and environmental context and drivers of change.
3    Assessment with indicators. Determine current land degradation status, future land degradation risk and existing soil/water conservation
4-5    Potential strategies. Identify, evaluate and document existing land degradation remediation options. Prioritize remediation options with stakeholders
6    Implementing field trials. Trial & monitor remediation options in field
7    Regional scale solutions. Model biophysical and economic effects of remediation options at field & regional scale
8-9    Facilitating dissemination. Disseminate strategies for extension and national and international policy.  Apply remediation strategies, monitor degradation and progress to goals
If the stakeholders involved with DESIRE have been impressed by the research results, then  the ideas and application of strategies will spread beyond the study sites.  To adjust (10) or adapt to new situations, (such as new agricultural policies) the research cycle may be followed round again. This DESIRE model of linked methods of assessment, strategy selection, trial and evaluation can now be used as a standard procedure as part of combating desertification.