Livelihoodsalso

Livelihoodsalso is a neologism used in development and social science discourse to describe the practice of pursuing multiple income sources and activities in addition to a primary occupation. The term underscores that households often rely on a portfolio of livelihoods—formal and informal, urban and rural—rather than a single line of work.

Etymology and usage: The word blends "livelihoods" and "also" to signal multiplicity. It is not a fixed category in taxonomies but a descriptive label used in some NGO reports, policy analyses, and academic discussions to capture how people engage in farming, wage labor, small commerce, crafts, remittances, and other activities simultaneously, especially in contexts with shocks or constraints.

Characteristics: The concept highlights diversification, risk management, and resilience. Households may juggle several activities across times and places, with gender roles and household dynamics shaping which livelihoods are pursued. Diversification can mitigate income volatility but may require greater time, capital, and access to markets.

Measurement and research: Researchers assess the number and share of income sources, income stability, seasonality, and the contribution of each activity to overall well-being. Qualitative work often examines decision-making, constraints, and trade-offs.

Policy relevance and criticisms: Supporting livelihoods diversification can involve access to credit, skills training, market infrastructure, social protection, and secure land and property rights. Critics warn that over-diversification can reduce specialization, dilute productivity, or strain household resources, and that measurements may understate informal and unpaid contributions.

See also: livelihood diversification; resilience; informal economy; portfolio employment.