Our Programming Framework

Household Livelihood Security (HLS) Programming

CARE Zimbabwe is using the Household Livelihood Security (HLS) framework to design sets of mutually supportive, interlinked activities across various sectors within geographical areas. Working independently and collectively to improve livelihood security, the synergy of cross-sector activities implemented in the same geographical area combine to have a greater impact than discreet projects.

Principles of Livelihood Programming

Within CARE International, a Household Livelihood Security (HLS) approach provides the organising principle and integrating framework for livelihoods-based assessment and Programming.
‘A livelihood comprises the capabilities, assets (stores, resources, claims and access) and activities required for a means of living: a livelihood which is sustainable can cope with and recover from stress and shocks, maintain or enhance its capabilities and assets, and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for the next generation and contribute net benefits to other livelihoods at the local and global levels in the long and short term.’

The idea of livelihood as defined above embodies three fundamental attributes: the possession of human capabilities (such as education, skills, health, and psychological orientation); access to tangible and intangible assets; and the existence of economic activities. The interaction between these attributes defines what livelihood strategy a household pursues and is thus central to CARE’s Livelihood Model outlined in Figure 1.

CARE’s livelihood model is people-centred - it seeks to understand the needs of vulnerable people and how those needs are met in order to improve livelihoods. Unlike other livelihood models, CARE’s model is focused at the household level; it is centred on the asset box depicted in Figure 1. This box includes the capabilities of household members, the assets and resources to which they have access, their access to information and their level of influence over others, and the ability to make claims on their relatives, the state and others. Production and income activities are only a means to improving livelihoods and not an end in themselves. The consumption status of households is the final outcome of these activities, given the level of household assets. The key to both the model and the definition that CARE uses is that they emphasize a capacity-building approach to development, and even relief activities (Drinkwater and Rusinow, 1999).

Based on this framework, CARE has four principles for livelihood Programming:
• Holistic analysis to improve targeting of poor households
• Focused strategies to ensure Programming adheres to real livelihood needs
• Coherent information systems to understand and improve synergies between projects
• Reflective practices to ensure that Programmes emphasize learning and change management.

Based on global experiences, CARE recognizes that projects designed according to these principles have higher impact in terms of improved household livelihoods. Key strategies for implementation include social and personal empowerment using participatory approaches.