The Potential of Using Sustainable Livelihoods Approaches in Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers
Andy Norton; Mick Foster (2001)
Do sustainable livelihoods (SL) approaches have value at the level of overall poverty reduction policy? To what extent can they be used in support of Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs)?
This ODI working paper reviews the operational experience of working with SL approaches at policy levels, and explores their possible application in the PRSPs in terms both of process (how the PRSP is developed and research conducted) and specific content.
The paper uncovers advantages and drawbacks of the approach, including that:
- There are tensions between creating a locally owned / accountable process and the conditionality associated with access to donor finance, but the SL approach is equipped to identify social groupings and ensure a representative analysis.
- The approach can provide important insights into some aspects of macro-economic policy and cross-sectoral issues, but the ability to operationalise cross-sectoral work depends on existing government structures and willingness.
In general, the paper recommends that:
- The emphasis for using SL approaches in PRSPs should be on the normative and analytical principles rather than the particular analytical model – i.e. principles of accountability, cross-sectoral work, a focus on livelihood outcomes and asset distribution.
- Tools for addressing specific policy issues (like taxation) with an SL framework need to be developed to reveal implications and behavioural responses to alternative policy prescriptions. Pilot examples are required.
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