FINAL REPORT
FINAL REPORT
FINAL REPORT
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implementation by many organizations in the field of development cooperation (Krüger<br />
2003:11).<br />
According to Chambers and Conway (1991:6), a livelihood comprises “the capabilities, assets<br />
[…] and activities required for a means of living“. A livelihood is sustainable, “when it can<br />
cope with and recover from stresses and shocks and maintain or enhance its capabilities and<br />
assets both now and in the future, while not undermining the natural resource base“ (Carney<br />
1998:4). The overall goal of the SLA is the reduction of vulnerability and poverty, based on<br />
sustainable use of livelihood assets. It prioritises policies and institutions 2 that reflect poor<br />
people’s needs and priorities, rather than those of the elite.<br />
Figure 1: Sustainable Livelihoods Framework<br />
Source: www.Livelihoods.org(assessed on 23.08.2006)<br />
The approach is based on a framework which enables to analyze theactors’ assets,options and<br />
restraints (see Fig. 1). The tangible and intangible assets which certain people or groups have<br />
access to, are at the core of the framework. In general, households are taken as analytical unit 3<br />
and research, planning and implementation is based on a participatory approach. The<br />
households have access to certain types of livelihood assets including human, natural,<br />
financial, social and physical capital. In developing countries, many households aren’t able to<br />
survive on just one livelihood activity. Therefore, many households tend to diversify their<br />
strategies, aiming at reducing vulnerability. Access to assets fluctuates due to frequent<br />
changes in the structural, institutional or natural environment. Therefore another crucial part<br />
2 According to Radcliffe-Brown (1940:9) institutions are understood as „standardized patterns of behaviour”.<br />
They comprise formal and informal rules of society.<br />
3 In specific situation it is necessary to consider also gender aspects or the role of social and ethnic groups<br />
(Chambers/Conway 1991:6).<br />
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