Studying livelihoods and human security is central to understanding how to reduce poverty and vulnerability in Afghanistan. AREU’s livelihoods and human security research explores how Afghans make a living and the quality and range of options available to them to do this. It focuses on how people and households try to achieve well-being by reducing the risks and uncertainties associated with different contexts: in labour or commodity markets, in interactions with the government, and within the community. Through this research, AREU seeks to develop a better understanding of the options that individuals and households in different parts of Afghanistan have to reduce risks and uncertainties in their lives. goverment , and within the community. Through this research, AREU seeks to develop a better understanding of the option that individuals and households in different parts of Afghanistan have to reduce risks and uncertainties in their lives.

In 2008, AREU launched a two-year study funded by an ESRC-DFID grant entitled “Afghanistan Livelihood Trajectories.” This longitudinal study investigates how households experience risk and negotiate within their social, economic, political and natural environments to achieve livelihood security. Building on AREU research conducted in 2002-03, this study is expected to contribute to pro-poor policy-making. Field work has been completed in Sar-i-pul, Badakhshan, Kandahar and Faryab and papers will be released throughout 2010.