An Alternative Sustainable Livelihoods Framework

1. An Alternative Sustainable Livelihoods Framework Experience from SL workshops at IFAD IFAD SL Framework - J. Hamilton-Peach & P. Townsley

2. 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 IFAD SL Framework - J. Hamilton-Peach & P. Townsley

3. Introduction • SL framework an effective tool for facilitating analysis and identifying “ways forward” • Dependent on mode of presentation • Several short-comings identified by facilitators IFAD SL Framework - J. Hamilton-Peach & P. Townsley

4. 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” IFAD SL Framework - J. Hamilton-Peach & P. Townsley

5. H Vulnerability Context Shocks Seasonality Trends Changes N S Policies Institutions Processes Livelihood Strategies Livelihood Outcomes influence P F The SL Framework IFAD SL Framework - J. Hamilton-Peach & P. Townsley

6. Focussing on the poor Ethnic Ability Gender Age Class The Poor IFAD SL Framework - J. Hamilton-Peach & P. Townsley

7. Personal Human Social Gender Age Class Ethnic Ability The Poor Financial Physical Natural Livelihood Assets IFAD SL Framework - J. Hamilton-Peach & P. Townsley

8. Enabling agencies Service providers Ethnic Ability Personal Gender Age Class Social Human The Poor Financial Physical Natural Unpacking Policies and Institutions IFAD SL Framework - J. Hamilton-Peach & P. Townsley

9. Enabling agencies Service providers Ethnic Ability Personal Gender Age Class Social Human The Poor Financial Physical Natural Unpacking “Processes” Markets Politics Culture Rights IFAD SL Framework - J. Hamilton-Peach & P. Townsley

10. Enabling agencies Service providers Markets Politics Culture Rights Ethnic Ability Personal Gender Age Class Social Human The Poor ASPIRATIONS OPPORTUNITIES Financial Physical Natural An Envelope of Action IFAD SL Framework - J. Hamilton-Peach & P. Townsley

11. VULNERABILITY - Shocks Seasonality Trends - VULNERABILITY Enabling agencies Service providers Markets Politics Culture Rights Ethnic Ability Personal Gender Age Class Social Human The Poor Financial Physical Natural ASPIRATIONS OPPORTUNITIES Strong Envelope – People Less Vunerable IFAD SL Framework - J. Hamilton-Peach & P. Townsley

12. VULNERABILITY - Shocks Seasonality Trends - VULNERABILITY Service providers Enabling agencies Markets Politics Culture Rights Ethnic Ability Personal Gender Age Class Social Human The Poor Financial Physical ASPIRATIONS OPPORTUNITIES Natural Weak Envelope – People More Vulnerable IFAD SL Framework - J. Hamilton-Peach & P. Townsley

13. VULNERABILITY - Shocks Seasonality Trends - VULNERABILITY Service providers Enabling agencies Personal Ethnic Ability Social Gender Age Class Human The Poor Financial Physical ASPIRATIONS OPPORTUNITIES Natural Markets Politics Culture Rights ACTIONS OUTCOMES IFAD SL Framework - J. Hamilton-Peach & P. Townsley

14. 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! IFAD SL Framework - J. Hamilton-Peach & P. Townsley

15. 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) IFAD SL Framework - J. Hamilton-Peach & P. Townsley