Famine Early Warning Systems Network

Summary

This Livelihoods Zones and Descriptions document, which includes the map and descriptions of the livelihood zones, is part of the knowledge base for FEWS NET’s food security monitoring activities. These tools provide points of reference and indicate whether the conditions reported at a given time justify a more in-depth study.

The Livelihood Zone Descriptions product, sometimes called Livelihood Zoning “Plus”, is based on the Household Economy Approach. It includes a traditional livelihood zoning component, which describes typical characteristics of the zone, seasonal calendars and access to food by the poor, and some characteristics of socioeconomic status are explored through the juxtaposition of the relatively poorer and relatively better-off households.

The results presented in this report describe the context of the livelihoods of zones identified, as well as hazards and response strategies among poor households, which allows anticipating how households may be affected by various shocks. In addition, they provide a geographic context for interpreting existing monitoring data on production, prices, and other indicators in order to identify potential problems; also, rapid assessment teams may be able to use the zoning as a basis for sampling in their studies.