The livelihoods principles and framework form the basis of all livelihoods programming of Literate Masses. The fundamental principles of livelihoods programming are that it is people-centred, multilevel, dynamic, and ultimately aims to achieve sustainable livelihoods.
People-centered
Literate Masses livelihoods programming fully involves the people whose livelihoods are affected. A livelihoods approach identifies programs based on the priorities and goals
defined by people themselves and support their own livelihoods strategies. It builds on people’s strengths, and in emergencies, people are assisted in becoming less vulnerable and more resilient to the impact of disasters.
Literate Masses livelihoods programming recognizes multiple influences on people at different levels, and seeks to understand the relationships between these influences and their joint impact upon livelihoods. It acknowledges the multiple livelihood strategies that people adopt to protect and secure their livelihoods and multiple livelihood outcomes.
Dynamic
Literate Masses livelihoods approach aims to understand and learn from change so that it can support positive patterns of change and help mitigate negative patterns. It explicitly recognises the effects on livelihoods of external shocks and the longer-term processes that may erode livelihoods, such as climate change and economic decline. It also recognizes the potential for competing livelihood strategies. This is particularly important in emergency situations where competition for access to resources may increase.
Sustainable
Literate Masses tries its best to make livelihoods programming more sustainable by making programs resilient in the face of external shocks and stresses. Make sure that they are not dependent upon external support they maintain the long-term productivity of natural resources, and that they do not undermine the livelihoods of, or compromise the livelihood options open to, others
