Everybody has the right to make a living

This right is enshrined as one of the core rights to which Oxfam International subscribes through its development work. Oxfam Ireland’s mission and vision commits us to working with people living in poverty. The diminishing quality of people’s lives is therefore a direct challenge to both the vision and mission of Oxfam Ireland.

Oxfam Ireland’s approach to sustainable livelihoods is based on the belief that poverty elimination will only be achieved when we take seriously the inequalities that exist between people. We work with the poor in a way that fits with their way of life and their ability to adapt. Our programmes also assist governments to develop policies that are more beneficial to the poor and allows communities to build on their own strengths and determine their own development.

A livelihood is more sustainable if it can cope with and recover from emergencies, and provide opportunities for the next generation to live in a way that can be responsibly continued. Oxfam Ireland Livelihoods makes a direct contribution to poverty reduction in Africa and measures its success against the 8 goals and 18 targets enshrined in the Millennium Development Goals.

For more information on Livelihoods visit www.livelihoods.org and www.undp.org

Protecting and promoting livelihoods

Given the deterioration of living conditions and life expectancy of the world’s poorest, there is a clear need to protect and promote their livelihoods. In order to do this, Oxfam Ireland concentrates its resources on countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and, in particular, in some of the poorest countries of East, Central and Southern Africa.

Core themes include Pastoral Livelihoods (working with communities living off the land), access to Trade and Markets, Sustainable Agricultural Practice, Rights Issues relating to Land and Assets, the effects of Foreign Direct investment, Peace-building and Conflict Resolution.

With your support

Oxfam Ireland recognises and appreciates the core support to our Livelihoods Programme received from Irish Aid – which is added to the contributions raised from the public through our shops and from fundraising initiatives. See our fundraising and shop information to learn how you, your business and community group can contribute to this important work.