Livelihood vulnerability to climate change in the mountains of Northern Vietnam: comparing the Hmong and the Dzao ethnic minority populations

Thinh An Nguyen (), Bich Thi Nguyen, Hanh Ta, Nhung Thi Phuong Nguyen, Huong Thi Hoang, Quan Phung Nguyen and Luc Hens
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Thinh An Nguyen: VNU University of Economics and Business, Vietnam National University
Bich Thi Nguyen: Vietnam National University of Forestry (VNUF)
Hanh Ta: Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST)
Nhung Thi Phuong Nguyen: Vietnam National Productivity Institute
Huong Thi Hoang: VNU University of Economics and Business, Vietnam National University
Quan Phung Nguyen: The Committee On Ethnic Minority Affairs
Luc Hens: Vlaamse Instelling Voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO)

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2021, vol. 23, issue 9, No 37, 13469-13489

Abstract: Abstract Livelihoods of ethnic minority populations living in the mountains of Northern Vietnam are highly vulnerable to climate-induced natural hazards. Therefore, the livelihoods of vulnerable ethnic minority populations in these areas could be improved through climate change adaptation measures. This study pursues an enhancement of three different aggregate indices such as Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI), Livelihood Vulnerability Index framed within the IPCC vulnerability framework (LVI-IPCC), and Livelihood Effect Index (LEI) to find out components contributing to the livelihood vulnerability of major ethnic minority populations in a case study of Mo Vang mountain (Yen Bai, Vietnam). A total of 120 Dzao and Hmong respondents from 11 villages are surveyed based on a combination of informal interviews, a questionnaire survey, and Focused Group Discussions (FGD). Twenty-nine sub-components belonging to 10 major components (socio-demographic profile, livelihood strategies, social networks, revenue, health, food, water, housing, land, and natural hazards and climate variability) are conducted to calculate LVI, LVI-IPCC, and LEI. The results show that the livelihood of Hmong populations is more vulnerable to climate change for natural conditions such as natural hazards and climate variability, housing, land, water, food, and health. However, the livelihood of Dzao populations is more vulnerable because of socio-economic conditions such as socio-demographic profile, livelihood strategies, revenue, and social networks. The results provide a scientific basis for both residents, local officials, and policy-makers prioritizing solutions to enhance livelihood capitals as well as to improve adaptive capacity to climate change in the mountains of Northern Vietnam.

Keywords: Livelihood vulnerability; Climate change; LVI; LVI-IPCC; LEI; Dzao; Hmong; Mountains of northern Vietnam (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-020-01221-y

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