Pathway to Sustainability

The three core livelihood strategies to distinguish different dynamics and outcomes that can be
seen:
• Agricultural intensification/extensification – between capital-led (supported often by external
inputs and policy-led) and labour-led (based on own labour and social resources and a more
autonomous process) intensification
• Livelihood diversification – between an active choice to invest in diversification for accumulation
and reinvestment, and diversification aimed at coping with temporary adversity or more permanent
adaptation of livelihood activities, when other options are failing to provide a livelihood.
Diversification therefore may involve developing a wide income earning portfolio to cover all
types of shocks or stress jointly or the strategy may involve focusing on developing responses to
handle a particular type of common shock or stress through well developed coping mechanisms.
• Migration – between different migration causes (e.g. voluntary and involuntary movement),
effects (e.g. reinvestment in agriculture, enterprise or consumption at the home or migration site)
and movement patterns (e.g. to or from different places).
There are several approaches to solving livelihood problems and addressing vulnerability.
Some of these approaches include:
• Social protection programs: Social protection programs such as cash transfers, public
works programs, and social insurance can provide a safety net for vulnerable populations,
protecting them from economic shocks and reducing their vulnerability to poverty.
• Livelihood’s diversification: Encouraging livelihoods diversification, particularly in rural
areas, can help to spread risks and increase resilience to shocks. This may involve
promoting non-farm income-generating activities, such as handicrafts, small businesses, or
livestock rearing.
• Skill development and education: Improving access to education and vocational training
can help to build human capital and increase employability, leading to higher wages and
better livelihood opportunities.
• Strengthening social networks and community-based approaches: Strengthening social
networks and community-based approaches can help to build social capital and provide a
safety net for vulnerable populations. This may involve promoting community-based
initiatives, such as savings and credit groups, cooperatives, or community-managed
disaster risk reduction programs.
• Sustainable natural resource management: Promoting sustainable natural resource
management can help to protect and enhance the livelihoods of those who depend on these
resources. This may involve promoting sustainable agriculture practices, promoting
reforestation and conservation, or promoting sustainable water management practices.
• Gender mainstreaming: Gender mainstreaming is critical for promoting inclusive and
sustainable livelihoods. It involves ensuring that women and men have equal access to
resources and opportunities, and addressing gender-based discrimination and biases.