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UNDP’s experience has shown that programmes for community livelihoods recovery
can fail to create sustainable results when they are insufficiently linked to national policy
and institutional development, when they start late, and when they lack a preventive
component. In all of the strategic interventions it supports—even those that aim for
rapid recovery in crisis and post-crisis situations—UNDP strives for long-term inclusive
and sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction, and MDG achievement.
1.3 The Guide’s Approach to Livelihoods and Economic
Recovery in Crisis and Post-Crisis Situations
1.3.1 Overall approach
Adapted from UNDP’s Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (1996), the Guide’s overall approach
to livelihoods and economic recovery in crisis and post-crisis situations is illustrated in
Figure 1.1. The outcomes to be achieved are economically and environmentally sustainable
livelihoods for crisis-affected people and inclusive economic growth. When achieved,
these outcomes provide a foundation for development and contribute to peace-building
and stability, poverty reduction, and MDG progress.
The entry points are the various strategies and interventions undertaken in order to
achieve the outcomes. For effectiveness, the entry points must be well coordinated,
complementary to other practice areas and appropriately sequenced. The entry points
must also give priority to crosscutting issues related to gender equality and women’s
empowerment, youth, disaster risk reduction, conflict prevention and peace-building,
human rights, and the environment.
Good governance and private sector recovery are the drivers of sustainable livelihoods
and inclusive economic growth. The governance driver includes the policy framework,
the rule of law, security, macroeconomic management, local governance, and the empowerment
of civil society and communities. The private-sector driver includes trade and
investment, financial services, and technology. The entry points and drivers influence the
roles and effectiveness of one another.
Box 1.1. Area-based development programming
In situations in which a particular geographical area has unique or specific problems, an area-based development approach is often appropriate. Area-based
development is an integrated, inclusive, participatory, and flexible approach which fosters partnerships between local authorities and citizens, and builds local
capacities and linkages among actors at the local level. At the same time, area-based development feeds into national processes of policy and institutional
reform. Crises often create situations in which the populations of certain areas are particularly disadvantaged. Geographical isolation, the location of a disaster,
and the need for reintegration of IDPs and ex-combatants are some of the factors that may lead to vulnerability in a crisis-affected area.
While area-based development programmes are always tailored to the particular local context, they do have the following features in common:
• Their main activities take place within well-defined geographical areas.
• They target the population of areas as a whole rather than targeting particular sectors or groups.
• They are driven by priorities identified by local communities; their design and implementation follow a participatory approach.
• Organizations that were already active in the area (e.g., local governments, community-based organizations, local NGOs, and/or local private entities) are
involved in implementation.
• They have decentralized management systems that are designed for both flexibility and accountability
• They are coordinated with all development and humanitarian programmes that operate in the target area.
Typical components of an area-based development programme include (a) policy and institutional reform, (b) public administration and participatory governance,
(c) community empowerment, (d) rehabilitation of basic infrastructure and services, and (e) local economic development.
Livelihoods & Economic Recovery in Crisis Situations