Livelihoods

Rapid-onset disasters, like earthquakes, and slow-onset crises, like drought, can derail livelihoods. We educate communities about these risks and help them to be better prepared. We also liaise with governments and other stakeholders to reduce the impact of disasters. Joint initiatives include early warning systems based on mobile phones, livestock insurance, earthquake-resistant infrastructure, and social safety nets such as cash transfer programs.

We help farmers increase the quantity and quality of produce, both for family needs and for sale. For instance, we help farmers make their farms more productive and sustainable through our pioneering work in Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR). This rapid, low-cost and easily replicable approach to restoring and revitalising land improves harvests, livestock productivity and income.

Your programs create joint wins across livelihoods, health and the environment. For example, we promote household uptake of fuel-efficient cook stoves, mainly in Africa and Latin America. As well as having important health benefits, this supports livelihoods by reducing environmental degradation, the inefficient consumption of wood and school days lost to firewood collection.

We help people gain the income and assets they need to work their way out of poverty. For example, we facilitate small-scale savings, insurance and credit services for people outside the reach of formal financial institutions. This means they can plan ahead, cope with household emergencies and invest in their livelihoods.