Livelihood refers to the means by which individuals or households secure the necessities of life, including food, water, shelter, clothing, and other essential resources. It encompasses the capabilities, assets, and activities required for a person to make a living and sustain their well-being. Livelihood is not merely about earning income; it also involves the ways in which people access and manage resources, the social and economic structures influencing their opportunities, and the resilience of their strategies to withstand external shocks or stresses. In the context of sustainable development and smart cities, understanding livelihood is crucial because it helps in designing urban and rural systems that ensure equitable access to resources, sustainable employment opportunities, and improved quality of life while maintaining environmental balance. A livelihood profile is essentially a comprehensive framework that captures the different dimensions of livelihood within a particular community or population. It serves as a tool for planners, policymakers, and development practitioners to understand how people sustain themselves, the resources they depend on, and the factors that influence their economic activities. The livelihood profile provides an integrated picture of human well-being and the diversity of strategies people employ to meet their needs. In smart cities, where urban planning and technology integration are central, livelihood profiles help in identifying the population’s employment patterns, income sources, skills, and vulnerabilities, which then inform policies for inclusive economic growth, social protection, and sustainable urban infrastructure. The components of livelihood can be broadly categorized into five types of assets or capital: human, social, natural, physical, and financial. These components interact to determine the sustainability and resilience of livelihoods in any given context. 1. Human Capital: Human capital refers to the skills, knowledge, health, and education that enable people to pursue different livelihood strategies. It includes formal education, vocational skills, work experience, and health status, all of which influence an individual’s ability to engage in productive activities. In the context of smart cities, human capital is particularly critical because technology-driven urban systems require a workforce capable of leveraging digital tools, managing data, and innovating solutions for urban challenges. Investment in human capital through training programs, educational institutions, and health initiatives enhances employability and resilience, enabling citizens to adapt to the changing demands of a modern urban economy. 2. Social Capital: Social capital encompasses the networks, relationships, and social institutions that facilitate cooperation and access to resources. This includes family ties, community groups, professional associations, and informal support systems that help individuals secure jobs, access information, and receive assistance in times of need. In sustainable development and smart city planning, social capital is essential for fostering civic engagement, participatory governance, and community-based initiatives. Strong social networks can improve access to financial services, collaborative work opportunities, and social safety