The livelihoods system theory considers that livelihoods are formed within social, economic, political and environmental contexts. Full engagement by the private, public and civic sectors is necessary to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable people. These three inter-related sectors are in fact part of the livelihoods system and need to be strengthened. Civil society is the foundation that enables equitable distribution between the public and private sectors. A weak civil society results in uneven economic and social relationships: the poor and vulnerable becoming poorer and more vulnerable.
LIFT has decided to open a specific funding window to enable local organisations to access funds and develop actions in support of rural livelihoods. With a wealth of experience supporting local rural initiatives in the region since 2008, GRET was selected to manage this funding system in the Delta.
GRET’s proposal for the Delta focuses on three key principles: i) Building a funding mechanism that can be continued in the mid-term (subject to obtaining new funding) with the eventual withdrawal of GRET as fund manager; ii) Creating inclusive governance of the funding mechanism with existing, legitimate civil society stakeholders; iii) Social mobilisation and technical support of civil society organisations to develop actions and provide services to their constituents.
The long-term project outcome is that civil society plays a more effective role in the livelihoods system at township level. The 3 intermediate outcomes are:
The project outputs are:
