Building Resilient Rural Communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina: An Evaluation of Sustainable Livelihood Program and its Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts

The external evaluation of the Sustainable Livelihood Program demonstrates its significant and multi-dimensional impact on rural communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, reaching over 3,500 families (approximately 12,000 individuals) in more than 80 municipalities. The findings show that the program has substantially improved income, food security, and overall quality of life, with over 79% of beneficiaries reporting increased income and nearly 69% experiencing improved food availability. Beyond economic gains, the program has strengthened resilience, with 82.6% of participants feeling better prepared to cope with financial shocks, while also contributing to environmental sustainability through the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. Importantly, the program has fostered strong social cohesion and community development, enhanced local market activity, and helped reduce rural-to-urban migration by creating viable livelihood opportunities. By combining humanitarian support with long-term development interventions, the program has proven to be a highly effective model for building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable rural communities.