Interventions for sustainable livelihoods: a review of evidence and knowledge gaps

Abstract

PurposeThe concept of sustainable livelihoods – commonly understood as managing of means of living without undermining natural resources – has gained momentum in international development discourse. This review focuses on broadening of conceptualisation of policy intervention process for sustainable livelihoods approach and synthesis of evidence to track development in their knowledge structure.Design/methodology/approachEvidence available in the literature systematically reviewed with the established methods and themes of interest are curated, to assess the characteristics, mechanisms and caveats arising in policy and practice.FindingsThe authors found seventy-five independent studies that fit into the pre-specified research protocol and objectives. The authors classify these studies into six major themes: Economic wellbeing; Opportunities and capabilities; Climate and natural resources; Policy design; Formal-informal institutional environment; and Labour, entrepreneurship and exports. Various research gaps and directions for future research are also discussed.Research limitations/implicationsThe study provides a typology of reviewed literature examining the profile dynamics. Thematic analysis resulted into identifying complementarities and trade-offs and results demonstrate multiple heterogeneity in structures, processes and outcomes.Originality/valueThe definitive areas of interventions are discussed to broaden the utility of the concept in a structured way. This review paper brings a comprehensive view of livelihood intervention system and contribute in enriching the social policy perspective.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-06-2022-0402

Does financial inclusion promote sustainable livelihood development? Mediating effect of microentrepreneurship

“…Besides the direct effect, financial inclusion also indirectly affects sustainable livelihood development, in which microentrepreneurship mediates the relationship between financial inclusion and sustainable livelihood, as explored in the study. Access to finance has already been identified as a renowned stimulation in improving rural households’ living standards and quality of life through the inclusion of entrepreneurial activities (Kumar et al , 2023).…”

“…The dream of achieving sustainable livelihood is a long-standing concern for developing nations (Tripathy et al, 2022;Kumar et al, 2023). Sustainable livelihood refers to sufficient and sustainable access to resources and income that fulfills daily needs such as food, clean drinking water, quality health services, educational opportunities and community participation (Frankenberger et al, 2002).…”

Exploring the Transdisciplinary Nexus of Young People's Future Livelihoods and Relational Well-Being: A Bibliometric Approach

“…There is a clear indication that environmental and sustainability studies are part of the research landscape. Future work should focus on designing and assessing sustainable interventions that support both livelihoods and the well-being of communities in the long term [102].…”

Does multifaceted livelihood intervention improve well‐being: Reflections on a case study from North‐eastern India

“…A multifaceted livelihood intervention configures sequenced and complementary initiatives towards poverty alleviation (Asian Development Bank [ADB], 2020; Halder & Mosley, 2004; Kumar et al, 2022) and embodies assumptions such as increase in earnings through occupational change, behavioural change and ‘graduation approach’ (Banerjee et al, 2021; Sabates‐Wheeler et al, 2018). In India, there are three major regimes that envisaged similar approach.…”

“…The context of livelihood interventions works across various dimensions such as socio‐economic situation, demographic factors, variation in local needs, changing environment and role of formal and informal institutions (Chambers & Conway, 1992; Das, 2016; Desai et al, 2015; Joshi & Rao, 2018), and all these correlate with several types of policy regimes adopted (Devereux, 2016; Kuyvenhoven, 2004; Narayanan, 2011). Literature also underscores that these interventions are associated with the way of life, exhibit high degree of inter‐dependencies among various livelihood assets and strategies and work with a variety of approaches that builds on the strengths and potential of people (Allison & Horemans, 2006; Bebbington, 1999; Kumar et al, 2022; Scoones, 1998).…”