GUIDANCE ON

Livelihoods Programming
in Emergency Response
and Recovery Contexts
 Cover photo: Through CRS cash-for-work
activities, refugees and host community
members in Uganda construct shelters,
and water and sanitation systems.
Photo by Oscar Leiva Marinero/Silverlight
for CRS

Written by Claudine Inamahoro

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the United States Catholic community. CRS’ relief and
development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and
peacebuilding. CRS eases suffering and provides assistance to people in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race,
religion or nationality.

Copyright © 2018 Catholic Relief Services. Any reproduction, translation, derivation, distribution or other use of this work is
prohibited without the express permission of Catholic Relief Services (“CRS”). Please obtain permission from [email protected]
or write to:

Catholic Relief Services

228 West Lexington Street
Baltimore, MD 21201‑3443 USA
1.888.277.7575
crs.org
Contents
Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 1
1. Definitions..................................................................................................................................... 2
Social capital..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Human, political and spiritual capital...................................................................................................... 5
Financial capital............................................................................................................................................... 7
Physical capital................................................................................................................................................. 9
Natural capital.................................................................................................................................................. 10
2. What makes livelihoods programming sustainable?............................................................. 11
3. Practical implications of IHD for livelihood emergency programs..................................... 13
Examples of CRS livelihoods programs.................................................................................................. 14
4. Emergency livelihoods project cycle....................................................................................... 15
Common tools and references for livelihood projects...................................................................... 15
Common livelihood project components and related references................................................ 18
Conclusion........................................................................................................................................ 23
References........................................................................................................................................ 24
Acronyms

ACF Action Contre la Faim

ALNAP Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance
CaLP The Cash Learning Partnership
CFW cash for work
CRS Catholic Relief Services
DFID Department for International Development
DiNER Diversity in Nutrition and Enhanced Resilience
ECB Emergency Capacity Building Project
EFOM Emergency Field Operations Manual
EFSL Emergency Food Security and Livelihoods
EMECA Europe, Middle East and Central Asia (regional office)
EMMA Emergency Market Mapping and Analysis
FSNN Food Security and Nutrition Network
HEA Household Economy Approach
ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross
IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development
IFRC International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
IHD Integral Human Development
IIED International Institute for Environment and Development
IRC International Rescue Committee
LEGS Livestock Emergency Guidelines and Standards
NFI non-food item
MSMA Multi-Sector Market Assessment
RTE real-time evaluation
SEEP Small Enterprise Education and Promotion Network
SILC Savings and Internal Lending Communities
SMART Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound
SMILER Simple Measurement of Indicators for Learning and Evidence-based Reporting
SSSA Seed System Security Assessment
UN United Nations
UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
USAID United States Agency for International Development
WASH water, sanitation and hygiene
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Introduction

Livelihoods projects in emergency contexts aim to preserve and

restore the livelihoods of affected communities while stimulating Practitioners are
economic recovery. encouraged to refer to the
definitions, good practices
By orienting the reader in the use of the wide range of existing and tools mentioned in this
livelihoods programming tools, this guide seeks to improve guide when planning and
humanitarian programming quality, even when the response time implementing livelihoods
is relatively short. projects.

Practitioners are encouraged to refer to the definitions, good

practices and tools mentioned in this guide when planning and
implementing livelihoods projects.

The guide draws on the extensive experience of past projects

implemented by CRS and other humanitarian organizations
(including Action Contre la Faim, International Rescue
Committee, International Committee of the Red Cross and UN
agencies); discussions with livelihood practitioners; and existing
livelihood tools and resources.

It provides definitions of some key livelihoods concepts,

guidance through the livelihood project cycle, some common
livelihood project components, and a set of implementation
tools. Examples of good practices can be found throughout.

The document will be dynamic and require continuous additions

and improvements in a continually evolving humanitarian context
and as further evidence is accumulated.

Objectives
The objective of this guide is to support CRS staff and partners
to plan and implement quality programming in livelihood
interventions in emergency and recovery contexts. It has three
specific objectives:

1. To provide a general understanding of key livelihood

intervention concepts
2. To guide practitioners through the key steps of emergency
livelihood programming
3. To support the choice and design of livelihood programming
tools for emergency relief planning, design and implementation

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1. Definitions

In the humanitarian context, it is common to define a livelihood

project purely in terms of the economic reinforcement activities “A livelihood comprises
it supports. But this guide defines livelihoods more broadly, the capabilities, assets
by referring to the comprehensive framework that comprises (including both material
individuals’ spiritual and human, social, political, financial, natural and social resources)
and physical capital or assets, as illustrated by CRS’ Integral and activities required
Human Development (IHD) framework. for a means of living. A
livelihood is sustainable
Assets as defined by the CRS Integral Human Development framework when it can cope with
and recover from stresses
Assets and shocks, maintain or
enhance its capabilities
Spiritual and assets, while not
+ Human undermining the natural
resource base.”

Chambers and Conway (1992)

Physical Social

Natural Political

Financial

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SOCIAL CAPITAL
Social capital is made up of networks within and among groups
with “shared norms, values and understandings that facilitate Loss of social capital can
cooperation” (OECD 2001). Social capital may be the most be one of the greatest
significant fallback plan for vulnerable households in contexts where hardships for refugees and
social links and mutual help are strong. It is key to enabling affected displaced people when
people to access useful information about markets, jobs and social they are forced to move
services, in addition to the sense of belonging and comfort that is from a stable social setting.
derived from socially interacting with other people.

Loss of social capital can be one of the greatest hardships for

refugees and displaced people when they are forced to move from
a stable social setting to new locations. To help alleviate this sense
of alienation, projects that set up self-help groups—such as Savings
and Internal Lending (SILC) groups—can encourage a sense of
togetherness that contributes to (re)building social capital. But SILC
groups are most effective in a post-crisis context, when communities
are expected to be stable and are able to build their livelihoods.

CASE STUDY: SOCIAL CAPITAL PROGRAMMING

Francoise Uwimana and Yvonne Umubyeyi, both members of Nokara SILC group in Rwanda,
had lived in the same village for years, but only got to know each other better after attending
SILC meetings. “We were just neighbors. We had no deep harmony between us,” said Yvonne.

With six children at home—two boys and four girls, from 20 months to 7 years old—along with
two nephews and a niece who had lost their parents, Francoise struggled to make ends meet. The
SILC group was of great assistance: a US$30 loan allowed her to set up a small shop. But it’s not
the loans that Françoise liked best about the savings group; it’s her friendship with Yvonne.

When Yvonne’s brother fell seriously ill and died, she was frantic. “I was running around the
hospital not knowing what happened,” Yvonne says. “It was amazing; Francoise was the first
person to come and comfort us.”

Their friendship deepened and Yvonne became a frequent visitor at Francoise’s house, helping
her take care of her six children. “School fees are a real trial for me,” said Francoise. “Each
time students are about to go back to school, Yvonne has always been there to comfort and
encourage me.”

She also helped pay school fees when Francoise couldn’t raise the money on time. With the
support their friendship provides, both women feel that their lives are better now.

Savings groups strengthen communities through friendship and solidarity. Women chat with
one another about their children, their jobs and their husbands. They also help one another.

Adapted from Savings and Internal Lending Communities – SILC: Voices from Africa (CRS 2010)

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A Savings and Internal Lending Community (SILC) group
in Ghana. Savings groups strengthen communities through
friendship and solidarity. Photo by Melissa Stevens for CRS
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HUMAN, POLITICAL AND SPIRITUAL CAPITAL

Human capital is “the knowledge, skills, competencies and
attributes embodied in individuals that facilitate the creation Understanding which
of personal, social and economic well-being” (OECD 2001). type(s) of human capital
A wider definition includes the contribution of social, cultural are present, and which
and institutional factors to human capital.1 CRS’ Integral types are needed, is
Human Development (IHD) framework adds political and essential to enabling an
spiritual assets. Political assets reflect the ‘capacity to influence appropriate response.
decision‑making’; and spiritual assets reflect religious faith and
the intangible social benefits that come from interacting with
others who share the same spiritual values.

During humanitarian interventions, it is important to

acknowledge that the nature and usefulness of skills and
knowledge may change. Understanding and assessing which
type(s) of human capital are present, and which types are
needed, among affected people in a specific context is essential
to enabling an appropriate response. For instance, in an urban
context, people with higher levels of education might be
assumed to be more likely than less educated people to be
A CRS and Caritas business hub
equipped with skills that will enable them to find paid work
in Ukraine. Even displaced people
and other forms of income‑generating activities. But further with higher education levels may
assessment may reveal that even among the former, language need soft skills to enable them to
find paid work. Photo by Valentin
barriers and a lack of soft skills, may hinder their efforts, as the Koltakov for CRS
case study illustrates.

CASE STUDY: HUMAN CAPITAL PROGRAMMING

The Greece country program is working to support successful asylum seekers as they transition
from shelter support to more permanent housing, and integrate with local communities. The
program had about 90 people requiring linkages to on-the-job experience (e.g. internships,
apprenticeships, practical training, work experience, etc).

The project team first talked to businesses in growing sectors (e.g. hotels for cleaning staff,
shipping companies for dock crew), and also pursued linkages through the local Caritas to
set up ‘social sponsors’ who could facilitate job matching to enable asylum seekers to gain
experience and find work opportunities.

The project team assessed participants to identify other skills gaps, such as basic language
skills, cultural awareness training, household budgeting and other soft skills that could also be
addressed through the project. On-the-job placement opportunities were found for those who
regularly attended soft-skills and preparatory activities and exhibited motivation.

Adapted from a webinar on urban livelihoods in the Middle East by Melissa Kreek, Livelihoods Technical
Advisor, EMECA, September 2017

1. Šlaus and Jacobs 2011.

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Refugees Fatima Al-Mahabani, 26, and her
daughter bake cookies at their home in Sofia,
Bulgaria. With CRS’ help, Fatima is setting up a
bakery. CRS helps people fleeing conflict with
integration and language classes, work and
financial support. Photo by Oscar Durand for CRS
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FINANCIAL CAPITAL
Financial capital refers to assets needed to provide goods or
services, measured in terms of monetary value (Investopedia). Many recovery projects
The concept is mainly used when money is aimed at production, support activities that
although it can contribute to consumption (DFID 1999). There are generate income for
two main types of financial capital: households by providing
financial capital.
• Available stocks: May be in the form of savings, liquid assets
(e.g., livestock or jewellery) or loans (informal, or formal if
provided by a financial institution)
• Regular inflows of money: Income, pensions and remittances.
To constitute reliable financial capital, the inflow should be
regular and allow households to plan for investment. Many
recovery projects support activities that generate income for
households by providing financial capital (e.g., cash transfers
for business start-up, recovery or expansion); by facilitating
savings (e.g., SILC); or by providing liquid assets (e.g.,
livestock fairs).

CASE STUDY: FINANCIAL CAPITAL PROGRAMMING

Kogne Roukaya, 23, was displaced from Nigeria to Northern Cameroon by the Boko Haram
crisis. She benefited from a business grant through a livelihoods recovery program
implemented by CRS Cameroon. “Since we arrived in Cameroon, I resumed my business with
a small capital amount of 5,000 West African CFA francs. I was earning 2,000 to 3,000 francs
a week, which was not enough for my family’s basic needs. Thanks to the 35,000-franc cash
support through the CRS project, my capital has increased sevenfold and today, my profit
has increased to 12,250 francs a week. With my profit, I can pay the tuition of my first three
children. I am now able to save some money and I have also started raising goats.”

Adapted from the quarterly report of a CRS livelihoods project in Cameroon (2017), funded by USAID

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The owner of this quail farm in Ukraine received
a CRS grant for employing people displaced by
conflict. Photo by Mathieu Radoube for CRS
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PHYSICAL CAPITAL
Physical capital is ‘the basic infrastructure and producer
goods needed to support livelihoods’ (DFID 1999). Essential Essential components
components of physical capital for sustainable livelihoods are of physical capital for
transportation, shelter, water supply and sanitation, clean and sustainable livelihoods
affordable energy, and other tools and equipment used for a are transportation,
productive life. shelter, water supply
and sanitation, clean
Some relief projects may implement—for instance—water, and affordable energy,
sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and agriculture activities with and other tools and
no clear link between the two components. It is important that equipment used for a
practitioners create a clear link between livelihoods components productive life.
during interventions. Better yet, integrated programming—
combining more than one sector in a program—makes it more
effective and sustainable.

CASE STUDY: PHYSICAL CAPITAL PROGRAMMING (SHELTER)

In the Philippines, after the 2013 Bohol
earthquake, CRS chose to provide cash
grants to affected families because
their needs for shelter were diverse and
numerous, and because markets in the
area were functioning well. Cash grants
offered the most flexibility and allowed
people the freedom to buy the materials
they needed to build back on site, using
what was salvageable from their damaged
homes. This approach aimed to help
families rebuild quickly and strengthen the
local economy.

In the early stages of the response, A collapsed house along the highway near Tagbilaran in
before the implementation of cash Bohol. CRS cash grants allowed people the freedom to buy
the materials needed to build back on site, using what was
support, CRS provided basic building salvageable from their damaged homes. Photo by Garrett
materials to support people who were Nolasco for CRS
already rebuilding and repairing their
own homes. This support included tools;
advice on how to build back safer using
disaster‑resilient construction techniques;
and helping beneficiaries salvage wood
that they could reuse in construction.

Extract from Project Daijok, Philippines,

Using cash for shelter: An overview of CRS
programs (CRS 2015)

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NATURAL CAPITAL
Natural capital is made up of resources such as soil, air, water
and the variety of animal and plant life. It is critical to sustaining Natural capital includes
life, as it includes natural assets—such as water, seeds and natural assets used directly
soil—that are used directly for food and other agricultural for production.
production. Natural assets such as rangelands and water are
critical for sustaining livestock and pastoralist livelihoods.

When designing livelihoods programs, it is critical to consider

the impact on the environment. For example, are there
alternative livelhoods options to collecting and selling wood for
fuel? Is the cash-for-work program for drainage clearing using
appropriate disposal techniques, and does it include proper
safety considerations for its workers? Is the shelter program
that engages local labor also using sustainably sourced shelter
materials? Can a livelihood be developed out of processing
waste, or recycling discarded goods?

CASE STUDY: NATURAL CAPITAL PROGRAMMING

CRS Niger implemented a large-scale cash-for-work
project, focusing on land recuperation. The project
was part of a larger effort to respond to the 2011 Sahel
crisis, during which below-average rainfall and crop
production shortages resulted in reduced food and
livestock fodder availability and increasing environmental
degradation. Lack of ground cover increased erosion,
and environmentally negative coping strategies were
used to compensate for the lack of production and
livestock. Vulnerable households were paid to dig Water captured in half‑moon gardens.
half‑moon-shaped depressions in the soil that reduced Photo by Souradja Mahama for CRS

erosion, increased water infiltration, regenerated natural

vegetation and recuperated degraded land.

Extract from Maximizing the value of “cash for work”. Lessons

from a Niger land recuperation project: CRS EARLI (CRS 2012)

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2. What makes livelihoods

programming sustainable?

The CRS Integrated Human Development (IHD) framework below “…diversification is

illustrates the elements of sustainable livelihoods. A livelihood often a key aspect of
is sustainable when it can withstand and recover from a shock households’ strategy
with the same or improved capabilities as before the shock, while to reduce and manage
maintaining the natural resource base. risks of failure in any
single income source.”
CRS Integral Human Development (IHD) framework Rural Poverty Report 2011
(IFAD 2010)

Livelihoods outcomes are a result of the various livelihoods

strategies people employ, and may be affected by policies or
institutions. For example, a smallholder farmer will have likely
have a higher income if export policies favor her ability to sell her
produce. Policies and institutions may also influence the degree
to which shocks affect a household’s capital. For example, a
teacher may retain social and political capital—and possibly
even financial capital—if her school remains a steady employer
through a crisis.

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The sustainable livelihoods framework underlines the fact that

households rely on more than one type of capital, and vary the Households rely on more
activities and their importance depending on the context and than one type of capital,
the livelihood outcomes pursued. Diversification of livelihood and vary the activities
strategies is also key for sustainability. and their importance
depending on the context
The IHD framework identifies six main livelihood strategies that and the livelihood
should guide programming:2 outcomes pursued.
• Coping or survival mechanisms: Strategies that enable
people to get through difficult periods.
• Risk reduction mechanisms: Strategies that help reduce
vulnerability to shocks, cycles and trends.
• Engagement: Strategies that increase the influence of people
and communities to advocate and claim rights and services.
• Assets recovery: Strategies that rebuild assets lost in a
disaster.
• Asset diversification: Strategies that build resilience by
increasing the types of assets that can be depended upon in
a crisis, and reduce vulnerability to the loss of one or a few
asset types.
• Asset maximization: Strategies that increase the quantity and
quality of assets to improve the capacity of households to
leave poverty and reduce vulnerability.

The IHD framework is the main reference for this guidance

because its key purpose is to ‘help CRS and our partners become
more effective in assisting the people we serve to improve their
overall well-being through improved livelihood outcomes’. The
following sections offer practical ways of applying the concepts
of IHD to design quality livelihoods programs in emergency and
recovery contexts.

2. A user’s guide to Integral Human Development. Practical guidance for CRS staff and partners (Heinrich et al 2008).

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3. Practical implications of IHD for

livelihood emergency programs

Natural, conflict-related or slow-onset crises affect people’s

livelihoods in various ways. Emergency response is guided by Humanitarian programs
The Sphere Project’s two core beliefs: first, that those ‘affected should aim to restore
by disaster or conflict have a right to receive protection and all components of the
assistance to ensure the basic conditions for life with dignity’; and livelihoods framework
second, that ‘action should be taken to alleviate human suffering to achieve a sustainable
arising out of disaster or conflict.’3 recovery for affected
households.
Humanitarian programs should aim to restore all components of
the livelihoods framework to achieve a sustainable recovery for
affected households. However, often due to competing priorities
and limited resources, humanitarian assistance prioritizes some
components of the livelihoods framework over others. Thus, the
remaining gaps hamper sustainable livelihood recovery.

This does not mean that a single humanitarian program should

aim to cover all the needs; but such programs should have a
comprehensive understanding of the existing capacities and
needs of affected households to put in place programs that aim at
sustainability.

The box on Page 14 gives an account of some livelihoods recovery

projects implemented by CRS country programs. It highlights
the type of livelihood capital that was created or recovered. The
projects were implemented in both urban and rural contexts.

3. Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response (The Sphere Handbook)(Sphere 2011).

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Examples of CRS livelihoods programs

Country Type of crisis Livelihood Activity description
program capital
Gaza Conflict • Human • Food vouchers
• Physical • Apprenticeships, vocational training and
• Financial employment facilitation
• Non-food item (NFI) distribution through
vouchers
• Cash for work
Ghana, Food price • Financial • Seed vouchers for the purchase of rice seeds
Mali, increase and fertilizer
Nigeria,
Senegal
Niger Boko Haram • Financial • Voucher fairs for the purchase of seed and
crisis refugee • Physical tools
assistance
Pakistan Drought • Physical • Rehabilitation of water infrastructure
• Financial • Livestock destocking, feeding and vaccination
• Natural • Rangeland management (tree plantation)
South Conflict and • Social • SILC
Sudan drought • Physical • Seeds and tools fairs
• Human • Livestock disease treatment and prevention
• Financial • Cash for work (CFW) to create community
• Natural assets like water pans
• Formation of community disaster risk
reduction committees and plan CFW
• Livelihoods trainings (agriculture, livestock,
fisheries)
• Financial education

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4. Emergency livelihoods project cycle

Different phases of a crisis or its aftermaths (early acute, post‑crisis,

development) call for different programming strategies. In the
early part of a crisis, the focus is on saving lives and on livelihoods
protection. In the recovery phase, the focus is on the rehabilitation
of livelihoods, aiming at developing and promoting livelihoods
strategies. Protracted crises or recurring emergencies need to be
addressed in a sustainable manner that reduces aid dependency.

Additionally, urban and rural contexts differ in certain aspects,

from the density and diversity of populations to the availability and
quality of services and infrastructure. This guidance offers references
relevant to specific contexts.

Despite specific considerations for different contexts, the cycle of

an emergency livelihoods project remains the same. The graphic
summarizes elements of a project cycle. Common tools and
resources to implement livelihoods projects are listed in Section 4.1,
by stage of the project cycle. Section 4.2 includes types of livelihoods
programs, and resources to guide implementation.

Preparedness Context analysis Response design Monitoring and Exit and feedback
• Contingency planning • Needs assessment and Implementation evaluation • Reporting
• Local and regional actor • Livelihoods zoning • Response design • Baseline • Lessons learned
coodination • Risk analysis • Monitoring
• Response • Evaluation
implementation

4.1 Common tools and references for livelihood projects

Project cycle Description Useful references
step

PREPAREDNESS

Contingency Contingency planning is used to ensure • Inter-agency contingency planning

planning adequate arrangements are made in guidelines for humanitarian assistance.
anticipation of a crisis. Participation by all 2001.
humanitarian actors is key. • Minimum Economic Recovery Standards,
third edition. 2017. The SEEP Network.

Coordination Participating in coordination forums of • Famine Early Warning System Network

with local, humanitarian actors is vital for making • Food Security Cluster
national and necessary preparations for current or future
• United Office for the Coordination of
regional humanitarian assistance needs.
Humanitarian Affairs
actors
• Evidence and standards for better food
security decisions. Integrated Food
Security Phase Classification.

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Project cycle Description Useful references

step

CONTEXT ANALYSIS

Needs Needs assessments aim to define what • Guidelines for assessment in

assessment4 assistance affected communities need. They emergencies. 2008. IFRC/ICRC.
vary in breadth and depth, and use various • Emergency Food Security and
methods, depending on the context. Livelihoods (EFSL) 48-hour Assessment
Livelihoods needs assessments must Tool. Emergency Capacity Building
include an analysis of the comprehensive Project and Oxfam.
framework: household assets, strategies, • Food security and livelihood
priorities and goals; and policies and assessments: A practical guide for
institutions affecting livelihoods at the fieldworkers. 2010. ACF.
macro level.
• Household Economy Approach.
The needs assessments must use Oxfam International.
participatory methods involving affected
• Seed System Security Assessment
communities in defining needs and
(SSSA): An essential tool for improving
priorities. Needs assessment reports
the effectiveness of agricultural
should describe the economic profiles of
assistance. International Centre for
households, identifying their main sources
Tropical Agriculture and the University
of income, main expenses, the most difficult
of East Anglia.
period(s) of the year, as well as the most
promising livelihood strategies. Also, an • LEGS: Livestock Emergency Guidelines
understanding of coping mechanisms and Standards. 2009.
and the gaps in assistance of vulnerable • Training manual on participatory rural
households will give direction to appraisal. 2000. Food Security and
intervention design. Nutrition Network.
• A review of needs assessment tools,
response analysis frameworks,
and targeting guidance for urban
humanitarian response. 2016.
International Institute for Environment
and Development.
• Rapid humanitarian assessment in urban
settings. 2015. ACAPS.
• Labour market analysis in humanitarian
contexts: A practitioner’s guide. Save the
Children, Mercy Corps and IRC.

Market Needs assessments should also include Market assessment tools

assessment a markets component. However, in some • QUACK tool (quick appraisal of local
cases, a standalone market assessment may market). CRS.
be necessary.
• Emergency Market Mapping and Analysis
The CRS online Emergency Field toolkit. Rapid assessment for markets:
Operations Manual (EFOM) contains Guidelines for an initial emergency
important assessment tools. A comparative market assessment. 2014. International
review of market assessments methods, Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
tools approaches and findings (WFP 2013)
• Multi-sector market assessment (MSMA).
is also available to guide practitioners on
CRS.
the best tools to use.

4. The Emergency Capacity Building Project has a website hosted by ALNAP that has a variety of needs assessment tools.

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Project cycle Description Useful references

step
Risk analysis Risk analysis involves a range of activities Protection mainstreaming risk assessment
to assess the potential risk of the failure • Emergency checklist for protection
and/or harm of the intervention, both for mainstreaming. 2016. CAFOD, Caritas
the organization and the communities. Australia, CRS and Trócaire.
Livelihoods-related projects may affect and General risk analysis for cash-based
be affected by the market, by local policies programs
and cultures as well as by the actions of
• Risk assessment resources. CRS.
other humanitarian actors.
The recommended tools give an indication
of the most effective and efficient approach
as well as risk-mitigation measures.

RESPONSE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION

Response Once affected households’ needs and • Guidance for developing logical and results
design strategies are assessed, the intervention frameworks. 2007. CRS.
strategy can be defined. This step uses • ProPack I. 2015. CRS.
primarily a logical and/or results framework
to show the relationship between the
intervention’s intended results, activities and
the available resources.

Response Depending on the project components and • Cash-based assistance - Programme

implementation implementation strategy, the team takes quality toolbox. The Cash Learning
steps to deliver quality assistance. Partnership.
CRS has implemented good quality • Microfinance. CRS.
programs that can inform emergency project • Agriculture and livestock. CRS.
implementation.
• Value chain development. CRS.
• Emergency response and recovery. CRS.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Monitoring This phase is key to project design and • Propack II. 2007. CRS.
and evaluation shows how the project will be monitored and • Propack III. 2010. CRS.
plan evaluated against predetermined indicators,
• Guidance on Monitoring and Evaluation.
including frequency, resources required
2012. CRS
and use of technology. For emergency
Real-time
responses, the M&E system should remain
evaluation
realistic and dynamic. CRS uses the Simple
Measurement of Indicators for Learning and
Evidence‑based Reporting (SMILER) tool,
which breaks the monitoring and evaluation
system into easily understood parts.
A real-time evaluation (RTE) is also advised
for measuring the effectiveness of a program.
The resources give directions on how to
conduct RTEs.

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Project cycle Description Useful references

step
Livelihoods Indicators are measurements used to • ECHO Livelihoods key indicators
indicator evaluate project objectives. There may be • Minimum Economic Recovery Standards,
design different levels (i.e. objective, outcome, third edition. 2017. The SEEP Network.
output indicators), but the key is to ensure
that they are SMART: specific, measurable,
attainable, relevant, and time‑bound.
Minimum standards are defined in
Minimum Economic Recovery Standards, an
extension of The Sphere Handbook, focusing
on economic recovery.

EXIT AND FEEDBACK

Sharing It is always useful to share lessons learned at • Learning Lab. USAID.

lessons the end of a project. The format of a learning
learned event or document can vary, and these serve
to improve future interventions. USAID has
useful resources on collaborating, learning
and adapting.

4.2 Common livelihood project components and related references

Sector Description Useful references

AGRICULTURE

Seed and tool These fairs are organized to provide seeds • Agricultural fair and voucher manual.
distribution and tools to beneficiaries using vouchers, to 2017. CRS.
through fairs support the local market. Preliminary steps to • Seed vouchers and fairs: A manual for
this activity are a livelihood needs assessment, seed-based agricultural recovery in
markets assessments and a seed system Africa. 2002. CRS.
DiNER fairs
security assessment.
CRS implements seeds and tools fairs in a
variety of contexts.
Diversity in Nutrition and Enhanced Resilience
(DiNER) fairs add a nutrition component to
the fairs, by also creating space at fairs to
promote nutrition practices to beneficiaries.

Seed and food Seed- and food-production activities focus • Smart skills for smallholder farmers.
production on farmers and support them to recover or CRS.
improve/increase seed and crop production,
especially after a harvest crisis due to many
possible factors (drought, floods, conflict, etc).
It is often coupled with seed provision, but not
necessarily.
CRS supports agricultural production. Most
seed- and food-production components
rely on local partnerships and work through
producer groups.

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Agricultural This activity usually complements seed • Ethiopia. Resilience through Enhanced
methods distribution and ensures that farmers Adaptation, Action-learning and
training know the best agricultural methods for Partnership Activity. CRS.
their context (drought or flood-prone, • Regenerative Agriculture. CRS.
winter gardening, irrigation techniques
• Madagascar: Pumping up food
etc). CRS collaborates with local farmers
production in dry Madagascar. CRS
and technicians in a variety of contexts to
develop practical training modules. • Agricultural extension. CRS.

LIVESTOCK

Livestock Livestock fairs are organized to provide • Rwanda animal fair: goats and hopes.
distribution livestock to affected communities through CRS.
fairs local vendors.
Special care is taken for disease prevention
during and after the fairs. Livestock
distribution is best in communities where
livestock rearing is practiced. A preliminary
step before livestock distribution fairs is to
conduct a market assessment to evaluate
the availability of livestock (quality and
quantity). CRS works with local technicians
and pastoralists to implement livestock
fairs in many country programs.

Livestock This component contributes to restoring • The road to resilience: Case studies on
disease and protecting livestock herds. It may or building resilience in the Horn of Africa.
treatment and may not complement livestock distribution 2013. CRS.
prevention (in-kind or through fairs). Understanding
local context and practices is key to its
success, as well as working with local
veterinarians and pastoralists. CRS has
implemented this component in West Africa
and the Horn of Africa.

CASH TRANSFER PROGRAMMING

Cash transfers Cash transfers can be used to deliver • The Cash Learning Partnership
and vouchers assistance to affected communities. The • Implementing cash and voucher
modality has a set of principles for risk programs. CRS.
mitigation and effectiveness. A market
• CRS operations guidance for cash-
assessment is a preliminary activity that
based programming. 2016 CRS.
justifies the decision for cash transfer
programming, alongside an analysis of • Using cash for shelter: An overview of
needs, and confirms which cash transfer CRS programs. 2015. CRS.
modality and payment mechanism—e.g. • E-transfer implementation guide.
direct payment, electronic payment or Mercy Corps.
use of mobile money technology—is most
appropriate. The use of technology is
highly recommended for efficiency and
transparency. CRS is a member of a large
community of practice and learning—The
Cash Learning Partnership—and supports
using cash transfers whenever appropriate.
The Humanitarian Response Department
has a dedicated team that provides
technical support to country programs.

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Cash transfers Vouchers can also be used to deliver

and vouchers assistance. These are mainly recommended
(cont.) when it is most effective to contract with
local vendors who supply necessary items
to affected communities and/or when
the local financial infrastructure does not
support traditional payment systems.
The use of technology is highly
recommended for efficiency and
transparency. CRS works with paper‑based
and electronic vouchers. Electronic
vouchers function through an electronic
platform operated by an external
information technology supplier.

MICROFINANCE

Savings and This component is best implemented in • Savings & Internal Lending
lending services monetized communities where formal Communities (SILC) Field Agent Guide.
microfinance services are not accessible. 2011. CRS.
CRS has developed a Savings and Internal • Program quality guidelines for savings
Lending Communities (SILC) manual. SILCs groups. The SEEP Network.
offer interest on members’ savings and
access to loans at the borrower’s request.
At the end of a predetermined period
(8 to 12 months), the funds are redistributed
to members in proportion to their total
savings. Most CRS country programs
have implemented SILCs. Generally, SILC
activities require at least 12 months, and
work best in communities where members
know each other. Members need some
level of literacy, particularly those with
management functions. Other organizations
have developed similar microfinance
methodologies (e.g., The SEEP Network).

Financial Financial education is provided to • Financial education curriculum. 2013.

education communities to help improve their financial CRS.
and money management skills. The training Examples of organizations that specialize
format should match the capacity of the in financial education are:
participants, according to their language,
• Microfinance Opportunities
literacy level, gender, age, local context, etc.
• Making Cents International
Financial education booklets are included
in the CRS SMART Skills series, mostly
adapted for rural contexts.
Other organizations have developed
training manuals, based on the specific
needs, norms and contexts of affected
communities.

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BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Business grants Business grants are provided to participants • Final Report. Mid-term evaluation of
to (re)start or improve their businesses. UNHCR graduation programme in
Preliminary assessments give an indication Egypt. 2016. UNHCR.
of promising businesses, transfer value,
transfer mechanism and timing, as well as
the grants’ feasibility in the context.
A graduation approach supports
participants with cash transfers for their
basic household needs in addition to
business grants. The approach has been
implemented in Egypt in urban refugee
assistance programs.

Training in This training is provided to participants who • Marketing basics: A SMART skills
business already have a business or are planning to manual. 2015. CRS.
practice start one. The content should be adapted
to the participants’ context and learning
capacities.
Some may also benefit from financial
literacy and financial management training.
See financial education above.

EMPLOYMENT

Vocational Vocational training in recovery programs • My skills, my money, my brighter

training is organized when needs assessments future in Rwanda. An assessment of
find that the affected communities need economic strengthening interventions
new or adjusted skills to integrate into the for adolescent girls. 2011. CRS.
labor market. Vocational training programs
commonly target young and productive
population groups. It is important to
consider the capacity of the labor market to
absorb newcomers, by supporting sectors
that have the highest demand for labor.

Apprenticeship/ This component supports participants in • Upgrading informal apprenticeships in

internship and securing jobs. Potential employers take Jordan. Key findings from a pilot study.
job placement interns and/or apprentices in the hope International Youth Foundation.
that they can integrate into that sector.
To facilitate job placement through local
partners and authorities, consider cultural
and language barriers, and legal barriers
(work permits, etc). In Gaza, CRS provides
cash to enable access to internships and
apprenticeships supporting both employers
and future employees.

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Employment Support is provided to help participants • Employment support: DRC MENA

services develop resumes and learn interview Livelihoods Learning Program
techniques. Jobs fairs and other 2017‑2019. 2017. DRC.
mechanisms for linking people to relevant • Promoting livelihoods and self-reliance:
employment, are set up. Such programs Operational guidance on refugee
need to account for special considerations protection and solutions in urban areas.
for refugees, such as their ability to work in 2011. UNHCR.
a host country.

Cash for work This component promotes short-term • Maximizing the value of ‘cash for work’.
temporary employment, particularly in Lessons from a Niger land recuperation:
contexts where affected communities are CRS EARLI. 2012. CRS.
faced with wide unemployment and where • Guide to cash-for-work programming.
there are labor-intensive work opportunities. 2007. Mercy Corps.
Protection measures should be taken toward
people with specific needs and disabilities.
If possible, cash-for-work opportunities
can focus on providing participants with
market‑relevant skills and experience to
improve their ability to find employment after
project completion.

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Conclusion

This guidance is a living document. Practitioners are encouraged

to refer to it and contribute to it as they learn new lessons and
develop new tools. As CRS continues to develop best practice
and guidance in emergency livelihoods programming, additional
resources will be developed. Areas of particular focus will be in
urban livelihoods programming in emergencies and recovery, and
also the development of adapted livelihoods training materials
and tools tailored to emergency contexts (i.e. simplified and
light‑touch).

To make suggestions for additional resources, changes or

improvements to this guide, please share inputs with the
Market-Based Rapid Response and Recovery (MBRRR) team at:
[email protected]

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References

Chambers R and Conway G. February 1992. Sustainable rural livelihoods: Practical concepts for the 21st Century. IDS
Discussion Paper 296. Brighton, UK: IDS.
CRS. 2010. Savings and Internal Lending Communities – SILC: Voices from Africa. Baltimore: CRS.
CRS. 2012. Maximizing the value of “cash for work”. Lessons from a Niger land recuperation project: CRS EARLI.
Baltimore: CRS.
CRS. 2007. Urban livelihoods in the Middle East (webinar), Melissa Kreek, Livelihoods Technical Advisor, EMECA,
September 2017.
CRS. 2013. From hope to harvest: Catholic Relief Services Agency Strategy 2014-2018. Baltimore: CRS.
CRS. 2015. Using cash for shelter: An overview of CRS programs. Baltimore: CRS.
DFID. 1999. Sustainable livelihoods guidance sheets.
Heinrich G, Leege D and Miller C. A user’s guide to Integral Human Development. Practical guidance for CRS staff and
partners. CRS 2008.
IFAD. 2010. Rural Poverty Report 2011. Rome: IFAD.
Krause-Vilmar J. 2011. Dawn in the city: Guidance for achieving urban refugee self-reliance. New York: Women’s
Refugee Commission.
OECD. 2001. The well-being of nations: The role of human and social capital. Paris: OECD.
Šlaus I and Jacobs G. 2011. Human capital and sustainability. Sustainability 3(1).
The SEEP Network. 2017. Minimum Economic Recovery Standards, third edition. Rugby, UK: Practical Action Publishing.
The Sphere Project. 2011. Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response. (The Sphere
Handbook). Geneva: Sphere.

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