Improving livelihoods

The central objective of the German Red Cross is to comprehensively secure the livelihoods of vulnerable people and communities through adequate access to income and resources. Livelihoods are considered secure when a household can meet its basic needs, compensate for risks, and mitigate crises and emergencies.

In this context, the German Red Cross (GRC), in collaboration with its partner Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, supports vulnerable population groups in both urban and rural areas. It addresses the multifaceted nature of livelihoods by sustainably strengthening local self-help capacities.

The German Red Cross responds to emergencies and protracted crises by meeting immediate to medium-term needs. Simultaneously it provides development-oriented and structural assistance aimed at sustainably improving the complex and structural components of livelihoods.

Short-term measures

Short-term activities to secure livelihoods include, for example, cash-for-work programmes. Within these programmes, the affected population actively participates in the construction of houses or infrastructure. In return, the people receive wages that can be used during the transition period to support themselves and their families.

Long-term measures

Medium- and long-term actions can target income-generating activities in manufacturing or trade, include the development of infrastructure, promote the protection and access to natural resources, or serve to strengthen social networks. The GRC´s work frequently promotes agricultural production, mainly small-scale farming in rural areas. By considering innovative approaches as well as social and environmental sustainability, participants are able to increase their production, diversify their sources of income, or improve their processing and marketing.

Woman an children looking trough shop window — Philippines: Investing in a business

man feeding two goats — Bangladesh: Securing livelihoods through livestock

Men with fishing nets and shells — Fishing cooperative in the Philippines

woman producting paper — Livelihood security in Nepal: Paper production

Women making candles — Securing livelihood in the Philippines: Candle making

Woman in sewing room — Türkiye: Securing livelihoods through sewing training and supporting small businesses

People in front of grinding machine — Philippines: Handicrafts made from shells

African woman carrying water can on head

Resilience

GRC projects always have the objective to strengthen the resilience of the most vulnerable people and the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to enable them to better cope with crises and disasters in the future.

Food security

Food security is a precondition for people to be able to lead a healthy and active life. The access to basic food is not only a fundamental human right, but also a central task of the Red Cross.

Healthcare

In cooperation with the national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on the ground, the German Red Cross is committed to humanitarian healthcare and the prevention of health crises.

Resilience

GRC projects always have the objective to strengthen the resilience of the most vulnerable people and the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to enable them to better cope with crises and disasters in the future.

Food security

Food security is a precondition for people to be able to lead a healthy and active life. The access to basic food is not only a fundamental human right, but also a central task of the Red Cross.

Healthcare

In cooperation with the national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on the ground, the German Red Cross is committed to humanitarian healthcare and the prevention of health crises.

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Improving Livelihoods

Short-term measures

Long-term measures

Further reading

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