What counts as a livelihood or income-generating activity?

Understanding different forms of livelihood activities relevant for carbon projects.

Last updated: April 15, 2025

What is a Livelihood?

A livelihood is any regular source of income or subsistence — whether formal, informal, cash-based, or in-kind.

Common Livelihood Types

Common examples include:

1

Natural Resource-Based Livelihoods

  • Subsistence farming
  • Livestock keeping
  • Charcoal production
  • Fishing
  • Timber harvesting
2

Trade and Business Livelihoods

  • Trade/small business
3

Employment and Wage Labor

  • Government or NGO work
  • Seasonal labour
4

Specialized and Other Livelihoods

  • Crafts or artisanal work
  • Remittances

You can report both primary (main) and secondary (occasional / seasonal) sources.

Why Understanding Livelihoods Matters

Why It Matters

Understanding income strategies helps assess economic resilience and avoid unintended harm (e.g. by restricting forest use without alternatives).

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