This policy brief contributes to the understanding of the importance of livelihood systems in informal settlements in Freetown for the women and men who participate in, and benefit from them, as well as for the wider settlements and the city. It is based on research undertaken in Cockle Bay, Dwarzark Farm, Moyiba, and Portee-Rokupa as case study informal settlements in Freetown. This was undertaken through six months of qualitative data collection in these settlements focusing on key livelihood sectors of stone quarrying, sand mining, cockle picking, trading and fishing. It documents the realities of livelihood strategies of men and women living in informal settlements. This was done with the overall aim of informing policy formulation processes that build on the capabilities, needs and priorities of informal settlement dwellers, and assist urban actors and stakeholders to develop appropriate, effective and practical interventions that strengthen the livelihoods of the informal settlements residents and their contribution to both their wellbeing and the wider urban economy.