Livelihoods Analysis involves understanding people’s livelihood strategies in order to make sense of what they are doing and understand the opportunities for change. It involves looking at what resources are available and what is needed, analysing changing livelihood patterns and exploring women’s livelihood opportunities.   

Participatory tools for livelihoods analysis 

Matrix - A matrix can be used to facilitate livelihoods analysis. The questions will depend on the focus of the analysis - the sample table below would be used to explore changing occupations over time.

Family occupation analysis  -  By drawing a picture of family, the facilitator can generate discussion of the livelihood options of different generations over the period according to the analysis objectives and questions. 

Mobility map - A mobility map could be used to look at how far people have to travel to find work. 

Some key questions for Livelihood Analysis 

• What were the previous occupations/earning source of the community/family?
• What are the existing occupations/earning source of the community/family?
• Has there been any change in livelihood patterns over the period? If so what are the reasons behind the changes?
• What livelihood options do women have and how have these changed over time? 
• Have the changes in livelihood options affected the security of the community/family?
• What opportunities exist for new livelihood options and what capacity building is required for these?
• What role should service providers play in this regard?

References

• People’s Action in Practice, ActionAid, 2012, p. 108-124.