Livelihoods Diversification and Enterprise Development Sub-Programme FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS

An interdepartmental programme for Improving support for enhancing livelihoods of the rural poor. Cover photograph from FAO Photo-library This paper was prepared under contract with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The positions and opinions presented are those of the author alone, and are not intended to represent the views of FAO. The Livelihood Support Programme (LSP) evolved from the belief that FAO could have a greater impact on reducing poverty and food insecurity, if its wealth of talent and experience were integrated into a more flexible and demand-responsive team approach. The LSP works through teams of FAO staff members, who are attracted to specific themes being worked on in a sustainable livelihoods context. These cross-departmental and cross-disciplinary teams act to integrate sustainable livelihoods principles in FAO's work, at headquarters and in the field. These approaches build on experiences within FAO and other development agencies. The programme is functioning as a testing ground for both team approaches and sustainable livelihoods principles. The Livelihoods Diversification and Enterprise Development sub-programme The LDED sub-programme was launched in 2002 with the aim of improving the effectiveness of FAO in addressing the needs and interests of poorer people in livelihood diversification programmes and projects. Specific objectives of the LDED are: a) to identify and appraise circumstances, inhibiting and enabling factors, and approaches supporting livelihoods diversification and enterprise development; b) to catalyze and facilitate use of innovative practices for supporting livelihoods diversification in a range of circumstances; c) to increase inter-disciplinarity and learning in FAO and partner agencies for supporting livelihoods diversification and enterprise development. The LDED will add value to FAO's regular programme and projects by addressing issues which enhance or inhibit livelihoods diversification and enterprise development with a particular focus on addressing obstacles and promoting opportunities for marginalized and vulnerable people. The sub-programme will capitalize on existing FAO strengths, knowledge and methods related to LDED in addition to identifying and addressing gaps in FAO's regular programmes and project work relating to livelihoods diversification and enterprise development.