An Alternative Sustainable Livelihoods Framework

Experience from SL workshops at IFAD

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IFAD SL Framework - J. HamiltonPeach & P. Townsley

Background
2002 ongoing: a series of SL workshops have been organised within IFAD (HQ, regions & countries) An opportunity for IFAD staff and consultants to reflect on their experience An opportunity to explore ways of implementing the new IFAD Strategic Framework: 2002-2006

The Sustainable Livelihoods Approach used as a thematic guide to organise and analyse experience
17/06/2004 IFAD SL Framework - J. HamiltonPeach & P. Townsley

Introduction
SL framework an effective tool for facilitating analysis and identifying ways forward

Dependent on mode of presentation

Several short-comings identified by facilitators

17/06/2004

IFAD SL Framework - J. HamiltonPeach & P. Townsley

Key issues in the SL framework

Poor not central enough easily lost from vision Key processes gender, age, ethnic group, class/caste not explicitly highlighted Tradeability of livelihood assets not indicated

Linkages between different elements not sufficiently highlighted

Too sequential left-to-right Aspirations and opportunities missing Little assistance in dealing practically with PIP box
17/06/2004 IFAD SL Framework - J. HamiltonPeach & P. Townsley

The SL Framework

H
Vulnerability Context Shocks Seasonality Trends Changes

S P F

Policies influence Institutions Processes

Livelihood Strategies

Livelihood Outcomes

17/06/2004

IFAD SL Framework - J. HamiltonPeach & P. Townsley

Focussing on the poor

The Poor

17/06/2004

IFAD SL Framework - J. HamiltonPeach & P. Townsley

Livelihood Assets
Personal
Social

Human

Financial

The Poor
Natural

Physical

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IFAD SL Framework - J. HamiltonPeach & P. Townsley

Unpacking Policies and Institutions

Enabling agencies
Personal

Service providers

Social

Financial

The Poor
Natural

Human

Physical

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IFAD SL Framework - J. HamiltonPeach & P. Townsley

Unpacking Processes
Enabling agencies Service providers

Personal Social

Financial

The Poor
Natural

Human

Physical

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IFAD SL Framework - J. HamiltonPeach & P. Townsley

An Envelope of Action
Enabling agencies Service providers

Personal Social

Financial

The Poor
Natural

Human

Physical

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IFAD SL Framework - J. HamiltonPeach & P. Townsley

Strong Envelope People Less Vunerable

Enabling agencies
Personal

Service providers

Social

Financial

The Poor
Natural

Human

Physical

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IFAD SL Framework - J. HamiltonPeach & P. Townsley

Weak Envelope People More Vulnerable

Enabling agencies
Personal Social Financial The Poor Natural

Service providers

Human Physical

17/06/2004

IFAD SL Framework - J. HamiltonPeach & P. Townsley

Enabling agencies Personal Social Financial

Service providers

The Poor
Natural

Human

Physical

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IFAD SL Framework - J. HamiltonPeach & P. Townsley

Uses
A guide for people in the analysis of development practice and issues Encourages discussion and probing Not necessarily easier to explain but more complete Specifically identifies many features politics, rules, social norms, gender/age/class/ethnic issues that will help make it more culture specific

Still not a magic bullet!

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IFAD SL Framework - J. HamiltonPeach & P. Townsley

Advantages
Addresses some of the grey areas identified regarding SL
Places the poor firmly at the centre makes people visible
Suggests the importance of clear definition of who is at the centre of the analysis Unpacks the PIP box more specific regarding key institutions and processes and provides a more practical approach to analysing institutional and policy issues Incorporates political dimension more explicitly Helps understand entry points based on opportunities and aspirations, possible at different levels (identifying them still depends on good analysis)
17/06/2004 IFAD SL Framework - J. HamiltonPeach & P. Townsley