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Baseline Products
Livelihood zone map
A livelihood zone map provides a division of the country into reasonably homogeneous zones defined according to patterns of livelihood. It is thus a means of dividing the population into groups for a range of analyses. They also provide a livelihoods basis for various types of surveys or assessments, including emergency assessments and baseline studies for development planning purposes. Generally, livelihood zone boundaries are aligned with lower level administrative boundaries therefore, population data tabulated according to these boundaries can be calculated for livelihood zones. The population data can then be used as the sampling frame for household questionnaire surveys, rapid assessments, livelihood-specific seasonal monitoring activities or for prioritizing needs and targeting assistance.
FEWS NET has developed for certain countries a library of maps showing the relationship between livelihood zones and administrative boundaries at different levels. These are available on the FEWS NET web site and can be copied into reports or blown up to wall size.
The output from a livelihood zoning exercise is not just a map but a basic description of each zone, please visit or livelihoods mapping section.
Livelihood profiles were designed by FEG/FEWS NET as a means of presenting all the relevant information gathered in a baseline assessment in an accessible way and in as little space as possible. The aim was to strike a balance between accessibility and level of detail and to present sufficient information to allow a rounded and balanced view of livelihoods in different zones. The profiles provide a rapid introduction to ‘how people live’ in different zones.
The profiles pack considerable information and analysis into a few pages of presentation. They therefore form a useful briefing for a newcomer who needs to get a quick grasp of food security conditions around the country. The geographical divisions are relatively small - as far as this is consistent with ground realities - so that the reader can take in the general pattern and the basic differences between areas and populations.
Baseline report
Baseline reports are lengthier documents including much more detail, and thus are more suited to use for detailed planning or understanding by more technical staff. They represent an extremely rich source of information on livelihoods.
HEA databases
The baseline storage spreadsheet designed by FEG represents a useful storage mechanism for the considerable volume of HEA data that is collected in many countries. This spreadsheet allows a wealth of data to be stored in an accessible and standard format, ensuring that the baseline data is reusable over several years. While this data is useful for the development of baseline analyses and profiles, and, in conjunction with the analysis spreadsheets, for the development of scenarios indicating future access to food and cash, it also represents a very detailed and useful resource on livelihoods for researchers outside of HEA.
