Caribbean sustainable livelihoods: the development of a concept
| Pages | 136-146 |
| Date | 31 May 2012 |
| Published date | 31 May 2012 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/20425941211244289 |
| Author | Corinne Gregoire |
| Subject Matter | Public policy & environmental management,Environmental technology & innovation |
Caribbean sustainable
livelihoods: the development
of a concept
Corinne Gregoire
Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies, Valsayn,
Trinidad and Tobago
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to begin charting the discussion of sustainable livelihoods
(SLs) towards the Caribbean. Its aim is to put this debate within a Caribbean context and start the
process of building the theory that can be adequately applied to Caribbean economies. The end point
of this paper, which should be the starting point of the discourse, would be the development of a
working definition of the concept based on what constitutes life in the Caribbean. This paper begins
the discourse on the development of a Caribbean specific definition of SLs. Many authors and
organizations have defined the concept; however, some believe that the existing definitions are too
theoretical. Given this, the Caribbe an must find a common ground upon which this concept can
become useful, as it is based on developing islands with many peculiarities.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper builds the definition by first, summarizing the
Caribbean reality; second, by considering the reflections on the concept both internationally and
regionally and finally, concluding with the definition of the concept.
Findings – Presently, the literature from the Caribbean region is still being developed. It is similar to
that compiled internationally, particularly that of the Department for International Development
(DFID), as DFID’s methodology is most frequently used. However, emphasis has been placed on
poverty,conservation and management of natural resources, governance, entitlements and capabilities
and individual level development.
Originality/value – The concept highlights some Caribbean peculiarities and applies them to
sustainable livelihoods. This definition can be applied to the determination of an index to access the
quality of Caribbean livelihoods. It can be used by development practitioners in the deter mination of
sustainable livelihood patterns.
Keywords Caribbean, Quality of life, Conservation, Governance, Sustainable livelihoods,
Sustainability
Paper type Research pap er
Introduction
There have been many contributions to the concept of livelihoods and sustainable
livelihoods (SLs). These definitions have come from various authors and organizations.
The most basic and widely used definition was developed by Chambers and Conway
(1992):
A livelihood has been viewed a means of gaining a living. A Livelihood is Sustainable when it
can cope or recover from stress and shocks, maintain and enhance its capabilities and assets,
and provide SL opportunities for the next generation.
The concept of SL has been applied in many countries and regions, although some
authors for instance, Carswell et al. (1997) (cited in University of professional
Educators, 2006) believe that the definitions are unclear, narrow and add only to the
theoretical body of knowledge. It is with this thought that Caribbean people must tak e
and make this concept their own, if they wish to optimally use it. However, to date little
work has been done with defining this concept within the Caribbean region: a region
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/2042-5945.htm
WorldJour nal of Science, Technology
and Sustainable Development
Vol. 9 No. 2, 2012
pp. 136-146
rEmeraldGroup PublishingLimited
2042-5945
DOI 10.1108/20425941211244289
136
WJSTSD
9,2
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