A Framework for Analyzing Livelihood Intervention Choices

This paper looks at the experiences of several agencies/institutions to propose a framework about the choices made while designing and implementing a livelihood strategy.

The paper suggests a framework so that the organizations are more conscious and thoughtful about the choices that they are making. The module:

• Defines the elements of a livelihood intervention - objective, nature, and design of the activity;
• Examines two perspectives that affect the intervention:
  • The internal context, including the features of the target group, and the intervening agency;
  • The external context, including resources, demand, and industry and institutional conditions.

Finally, the module suggests that in spite of constrains, an organization can chart the path it will walk in promoting or supporting livelihoods. The module answers the following:

• How to frame the objectives of the intervention?
• How to analyze the nature of the intervention throughout the sector, and specific activities to participate in, as well as an intervention strategy?
• How to design a livelihood activity, taking into account factors such as the prime actor, e.g. self-employed entrepreneurs or entrepreneurs who generate employment for others, plus issues of ownership, management, size and funding?