Livelihoods and food security in crises

The Humanitarian Policy Group has a substantial track record of work on livelihoods, food security and basic welfare in humanitarian crises. This includes various aspects of livelihoods in conflict and a major body of work on cash and vouchers programming in humanitarian response. Much of this work links with other strands of work in ODI, including social protection and responses to the global food crisis.

Livelihoods and food security in protracted crisis is a key current issue in humanitarian action, as increasing numbers of people are suffering due to prolonged conflict and/or repeated natural disasters. Most food emergencies are found in these kinds of crises. In addition, the global food, fuel and finance crisis has highlighted inadequacies in the global food system, but also provides opportunities for improving response. Research on food security and livelihoods protracted crises will form the bulk of research within this area of focus in the coming year. Cash transfer programming will continue as a key strand under this heading.