Abstract: This working paper presents results of a small research project undertaken by Rob Law as a Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre (DKCRC) Vacation Scholarship through Charles Darwin University. The project is a contribution to the DKCRC Livelihoods inLand™ research project. Livelihoods inLand™ research supports the development of sustainable livelihoods for desert people through natural and cultural resource management, in order to benefit Australia. There are many issues associated with this area. This background covers some of them.