In FEWS NET, field information is viewed and interpreted through the livelihoods analysis lens. Since 2000, FEWS NET has used a livelihoods framework, based on the household economy approach, to provide an essential context for interpreting early warning indicators. The framework has shaped FEWS NET's work - from early-warning reporting to emergency needs assessments to special studies of affected populations. The main advantage of a livelihoods-based early-warning system is that it provides an understanding of the context of food and livelihood security. Once an analyst understands the context, s/he can better judge the impact of a shock on household income and food access. Overall, the livelihoods framework keeps FEWS NET staff focused on essential questions during a food crisis: how, and to what extent, have households' normal patterns of food and income access been affected?

Characterizing a country by its livelihood zones helps early-warning analysts focus on indicators that are most relevant to a particular zone. Livelihood zone profiles allow for more efficient monitoring and more focused reporting. Similarly, a livelihood zone map can direct assessment teams to essential variables to assess during visits to affected areas. FEWS NET has developed livelihood profiles for Chad, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mauritania, Nicaragua, Niger, and Zimbabwe.  

Where additional resources are available, FEWS NET and its network partners develop livelihood baselines. An outcome analysis can be run with a livelihood baseline to quantify potential food and income gaps of households from different socio-economic groups. The outcome can then be compared against survival thresholds and livelihoods protections thresholds. FEWS NET has assisted in the development of livelihood baselines for all or part of the following countries:  Djibouti, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Sudan, Swaziland, and Zambia.