What is livelihood support and why is it critically important for vulnerable households in the context of hostilities

The full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine significantly affected the lives of the residents of Sumy Oblast. Destruction, job loss, forced displacement and rising prices have made it difficult for many families not only to plan for the future, but also to provide basic needs on a daily basis. In these circumstances, humanitarian assistance remains vital. However, over time, it becomes obvious that one-time support is not enough to restore life.

That is why in the humanitarian response, more and more attention is paid to supporting the livelihoods — approach, which helps people not only survive the crisis, but also gradually return to self-sufficiency.

 In April 2025, the team of the NGO "Association of Democratic Development" began the implementation of the project "Support in the livelihood of households from among IDPs and the local rural population affected by the war from among vulnerable categories of Shostky district of Sumy region". The project is implemented jointly with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Ukraine with the financial support of the Government of Norway and is aimed at supporting internally displaced persons and local residents affected by military operations from among vulnerable categories. Its goal — is to help families support or strengthen their own subsidiary economy as a basis for self-sufficiency and stability.  

Emergency humanitarian assistance still remains necessary, however, it is effective as a rapid response in crisis situations. However, its influence is limited in time. Instead, livelihood support has a long-term effect, because it takes into account not only the real needs and capabilities of households, but also provides a resource for increasing their level of self-sufficiency and well-being. For internally displaced persons, large families, the elderly and other vulnerable categories with whom the NGO "Association for Democratic Development" team works, such support often becomes the basis for recovery and self-reliance. Thus, within the scope of the project, walk-behind tractors, planters, incubators, garden equipment, livestock, domestic birds (chickens, turkeys, etc.), fertilizers, seeds, greenhouses and other necessary means for farming purchased by the participants became their timely and significant support. The positive impact of livelihood assistance on households and the project in general can be seen from the success stories highlighted by the project team (https://ngo-add.org.ua/istorii-uspihu) 

Living in the conditions of prolonged military operations, the opportunity to work on the land, grow crops or maintain a farm restores people's sense of control over their own lives and confidence in the future. Livelihood support projects work not only for short-term results, but also lay the foundation for community recovery, strengthening food security and gradual recovery of regions.