Livelihood zone maps define geographic areas of a country where people generally share similar options for obtaining food and income and similar access to markets. An understanding of geographic livelihood systems is a key component of FEWS NET’s food security analysis. The maps are produced through multi-day workshops during which food security stakeholders and country experts identify zones. Factors considered include agro-climatology, elevation, land-cover, market accessibility, sources of food, and major economic activities. A livelihood zone map is typically accompanied by a livelihood description which outlines the key characteristics of each zone. In some cases, maps may also be accompanied by livelihood profiles, which are in-depth descriptions of the characteristics of wealth groups within each zone. The zone maps are available for download as PDFs, PNGs, and GIS shapefiles. The shapefiles and maps are all produced and maintained by FEWS NET. Please consult the logos in maps for the full list of organizations who participated in and/or funded the zoning workshop. For more information on FEWS NET’s livelihood approach and to view our other livelihood products, please see: https://fews.net/sectors/livelihoods
