Summary
This report examines how the living income concept is defined, applied, and operationalised, asking how living income programmes are designed and which factors contribute to closing the living income gap for smallholder farmers in global agrifood value chains. It is based on a rapid review using a mixed-methods approach that combines a structured desk review of the literature with key informant interviews. The study also reviews five living income programmes implemented by selected companies and agencies to understand how the approach is applied in practice. The analysis finds that programmes are more likely to be effective when they bundle multiple interventions, tailor activities to farmers’ specific contexts, strengthen linkages across the supply chain, and work through partnerships for change. The report recommends designing living income initiatives around these success factors while remaining flexible to local conditions and continuously adapting programme strategies based on learning and evidence.