Livelihoods Transformation and Climate Change Adaptation of the Ethnic Minorities: A Case Study of the Khmer People in Binh Phuoc Province, Vietnam

Abstract

Typhoons, floods, and droughts brought on by climate change in Vietnam have severely damaged the livelihoods of farmers, particularly those of the Khmer people in Binh Phuoc province. In the Khmer community, drought has resulted in widespread crop deaths and livestock without food sources for more than ten years. Using qualitative data sources from in-depth interviews and participant observations in the community at several times in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, the study aims to examine the Khmer community’s livelihood transformation to adapt to climate change. The findings show that, in response to extreme weather events, the community has changed crops from growing pepper and rice to drought-tolerant rubber, cashew, and fruit trees; they have also shifted their livestock from buffalo to goats and cows. Families with limited land for production have divided their resources to become workers and other secondary sources of income. This transformation shows how dynamically livelihoods are adapting to climate change while also helping the Khmer people become less vulnerable to weather-related shocks. The article also makes some suggestions for policy about the livelihoods of the Khmer people in relation to environmental challenges and climate change.