At the household level, an index assessing livelihood vulnerability
should provide an explicit indication of the capabilities, assets,
and activities required for a sustainable means of living for the
respective household (Chambers and Conway, 1992). A livelihood
is considered sustainable when it can cope with and recover from
shocks, and maintain or enhance its capabilities and assets, while
not undermining the natural resource base. Livelihood vulnerability
assessments can provide decision-making information at two
adaptation and planning levels. First