Linking CDD to Livelihoods

A weakened economy and high unemployment resulting from years of violence undermines the ability of communities to recover. Significant research links unfavorable economic factors to the causes of war and the reasons for youth participation in conflict, in particular. Renewing opportunities for legitimate income generation is therefore an important component to the sustainability of peace. While community driven development, as a communal mechanism, does not specifically address livelihoods, which is an individual issue, the prospects for developing greater linkages are significant. With that in mind, the World Bank and the International Labor Organization are conducting a joint initiative to link local economic development approaches to CDD approaches by studying the prospective opportunities and piloting a livelihoods initiative. Findings will be posted here as they become available.

International Labour Organisation: Employment

‘Livelihoods, Chronic Conflict and Humanitarian Response: A Synthesis of Current Practice’. By Catherine Longley and Daniel Maxwell; June 2003. Overseas Development Institute