Sustainable Livelihoods Framework: A Holistic Approach for Analyzing Development and Poverty Reduction

Abstract

During the past two decades, sustainable livelihoods have become important objectives in rural development and poverty reduction analysis at both micro and macro levels. This article aims to discuss (1) The central issues of sustainable livelihoods framework; (2) Analyse and explain the importance of capitals/assets to farmers' sustainable livelihood framework. The sustainable livelihood framework uses a holistic approach to help understand how people use their physical, financial, social, human and natural capitals to maintain their livelihoods or to assess the severity of their poverty. When adjusted to the specific needs of the study area in question, the framework provides a good approach to assess the conditions and needs of farmers.