Rural areas in Latin America and the Caribbean face deep-seated inequalities. Although rural poverty has declined significantly over the past two decades, it still affects one-third of the population—twice the rate in urban areas. Limited access to basic services, poor infrastructure, and fewer job opportunities create a context of greater vulnerability for rural households. This chapter analyzes how rural families generate income and how their livelihood strategies have evolved in the context of the region’s economic transformations. The analysis highlights the heterogeneity of the rural world and the persistent gaps associated with low productivity, informality, and limited income diversification, which particularly affect the most vulnerable groups, such as women and indigenous populations. Finally, the chapter discusses policies aimed at strengthening social protection and productive inclusion, promoting labor formalization, and expanding economic opportunities in rural areas.