Organizations that provide assistance in post-conflict situations shift from emergency humanitarian relief to long-term development assistance, but face enormous challenges because conflicts have destroyed assets crucial for sustainable development. Southern Sudan emerged from a 23 year devastating civil war that ended in 2005 as result of a peace treaty signed by the Southern People Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) and the Government of Sudan (GOS). The central goal in this study is to understand the extent and means by which development organizations are helping make people central actors in their own development by effectively empowering them through meaningful participation and appropriate capacity building from the perspective of sustainable livelihoods. Project activities and practices of three organizations (USAID, NPA and FARM-Africa) are examined in relation to the key concepts and principles in sustainable livelihoods. Strengths and weaknesses are assessed, and areas for improvement are highlighted.