All SADC member states have specific policies targeting OVC. However, programmes remain focused on children’s immediate material needs and lack more sustainable livelihood and rights-based approaches. These recognize the long term physical, emotional, legal and emotional needs of OVC as basic rights. This policy brief produced by FAO and RIATT-ESA recommends that governments make corresponding shifts in policy by strengthening existing policy networks and developing stand alone policies to fill in the gaps.

This policy brief, a result of studies by FAO and RIATT-ESA, outlines the guiding principles to applying a livelihood perspective that governments, development partners and communities must consider in developing policies and programmes. They include holistic development, gender sensitivity and sustainability and child rights centered.

A comprehensive assessment of three community-initiated and managed programmes in three regions in Malawi shows that communities have the potential to provide care and support for OVC with minimal external support. This policy brief by FAO and RIATT-ESA presents the range of livelihood-related strategies and interventions implemented on and off the farm; in the health, education, financial and social sectors; and calls for resources to develop capacities of CBOs.