Interventions for sustainable livelihoods: a review of evidence and knowledge gaps
International Journal of Social Economics
ISSN: 0306-8293
Article publication date: 14 December 2022
Issue publication date: 17 March 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The concept of sustainable livelihoods – commonly understood as managing of means of living without undermining natural resources – has gained momentum in international development discourse. This review focuses on broadening of conceptualisation of policy intervention process for sustainable livelihoods approach and synthesis of evidence to track development in their knowledge structure.
Design/methodology/approach
Evidence available in the literature systematically reviewed with the established methods and themes of interest are curated, to assess the characteristics, mechanisms and caveats arising in policy and practice.
Findings
The authors found seventy-five independent studies that fit into the pre-specified research protocol and objectives. The authors classify these studies into six major themes: Economic wellbeing; Opportunities and capabilities; Climate and natural resources; Policy design; Formal-informal institutional environment; and Labour, entrepreneurship and exports. Various research gaps and directions for future research are also discussed.
Research limitations/implications
The study provides a typology of reviewed literature examining the profile dynamics. Thematic analysis resulted into identifying complementarities and trade-offs and results demonstrate multiple heterogeneity in structures, processes and outcomes.
Originality/value
The definitive areas of interventions are discussed to broaden the utility of the concept in a structured way. This review paper brings a comprehensive view of livelihood intervention system and contribute in enriching the social policy perspective.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-06-2022-0402
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to Prof. Tapas K. Giri for insights and invaluable comments to an earlier draft.
Conflict of Interest: None
Citation
Kumar, S., Sengupta, K. and Gogoi, B.J. (2023), "Interventions for sustainable livelihoods: a review of evidence and knowledge gaps", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 50 No. 4, pp. 556-574. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSE-06-2022-0402
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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