03 Livelihoods

Livelihoods Sector Overview for Handover Documentation

• Livelihoods main file archive link

Overview

Purpose and Objective

The Livelihoods (LH) Team is responsible for leading livelihoods analyses and developing FEWS NET livelihoods products, which underpin FEWS NET’s approach to scenario development. The team’s main objectives include the following:

• Develop livelihoods products, including zone maps, descriptions, profiles, baselines, and seasonal monitoring calendars as needed on a country or regional basis

• Develop and maintain livelihoods guidance documents for use by country and home office staff

• Support field office operations related to implementation of livelihoods activities

• Lead and support training efforts related to livelihoods analysis

• Support Household Economy Analysis (HEA) Outcome Analysis and Scenario building

Sector staff

Over the course of FEWS NET III (2012-2019), the team has staffed the following positions:

• Livelihoods Advisor (team lead)

• Livelihoods Analyst

• Livelihoods Research Assistant

Product and Process documentation

Livelihoods Products

This documentation provides an overview of key livelihoods sector products available for each country, including:

• Livelihood Zone Maps

• Livelihood Zone descriptions

• Livelihood Zone profiles

• Livelihood baselines

• Baseline storage spreadsheets

• Livelihood Impact Analysis Spreadsheets (LIAS)

Not every country will have each of the above products available. They are developed on an as-needed basis. All livelihoods products are related to one another and build on one another. They are listed above in the order of operation and according to an increasing level of detail, based on analysis needs by country. Please refer to the image at the end of this document which summarizes the different Livelihood Products and Livelihood trainings and how they relate to the HEA framework.

Livelihoods Process

There is no process documentation for Livelihoods.

Training documentation

• Livelihoods Foundational Training: This training is organized by the Livelihoods sector to provide FEWS NET staff with an overview of the scope of livelihoods products and how they contribute to the overall FEWS NET approach, including how to utilize livelihoods products to inform the scenario development process. The training materials for Livelihoods Foundational Training can be found within the Training Folder:

  • Introduction to the livelihoods sector

  • Using livelihoods materials to identify areas of concern and food and income sources

  • Using livelihoods descriptions to identify variables to monitor

  • Analyzing livelihoods information to determine the impact of a shock

There is also a general introduction to livelihoods for FEWS NET that is provided to DSG staff members in the “DSG Orientation” folder.

• HEA Outcome Analysis Training: This training provides an introduction on how to conduct Outcome Analysis, which consists of steps 4 to 6 of the HEA: Problem Specification, Analysis of Coping Capacity, and Projected Outcome. It also provides an introduction on how to navigate the LIAS. It is a 3 to 5 day long training. The training materials are available in French and English. They have been developed by the Food Economy Group, who should be contacted directly to have access to the materials. The outline of the training sessions can be found in the Training folder.

• Herd Dynamics Training: This training provides guidance on how to analyze pastoralist economies and, more specifically, changes in herd sizes and their impact on the household economy. The training includes an introduction to the livestock herd model and how it can support FEWS NET’s seasonal assessment field assessments and scenario development. The training is 1-2 days long. The training materials have been developed by the Food Economy Group, who should be contacted directly to have access to the materials. The outline of the training sessions can be found in the Training folder.