Sustainable Livelihoods Approach
Annex 6: Challenges and Lessons in using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework
Challenge 1: Analysis too big and complex
Remain focussed, use framework in a simplified manner, only carry out detailed analysis where the data is of particular interest and importance
Challenge 2: Analysis identifies too many possible entry points
Prioritisation of possible entry points, start with a few and possibly expand later on
Challenge 3: SL approach not widely understood by partners
Involve partners throughout all stages of SL analysis, initially encourage use of the SL approach in a simplified manner
Challenge 4: Sector-based government systems and professions mitigate against holistic analysis
Carefully select SL analysis team
Challenge 5: Analysis can be extractive versus empowering
SL analysis conducted in the context of participatory development programme and project planning processes and methods.
Challenge 6: Analysis overlooks intrahousehold differences
Data collection and analysis needs to be undertaken on a gender disaggregated basis
Challenge 7: Analysis overlooks diversity of ‘the poor’
SL analysis needs to take into account inter and intra household diversity, including those based on social difference.
Challenge 8: Analysis is too politically neutral/technocratic
Include power dynamics in the analysis of livelihood situations and pathways to improvement