Livelihood Analysis: Participatory Appraisal Methods Paper

The paper explains reasons for carrying out livelihood analysis and its usefulness. The focus is on the range of methods, emphasising the importance of discussing issues relating to livelihoods at both an individual and community level, and pointing to the diversity of information. Livelihood analysis is used in seasonal calendars focusing specifically on livelihood related activities such as employment. It is also used for flow and network diagrams to depict complex information, illustrating the relationship between various sources of income or a variety of agricultural activities. The paper discusses possible innovations, including comparisons between full and part-time labour which can be indicated on the same diagram by the use of different colours or symbols. Since this method was adopted from a number of other tools, the strengths and weaknesses of each exercise, depend on the individual tool used and the ability of the facilitator to facilitate the exercise, as well as choice of tool for each situation.