Abstract
AbstractThis chapter analyses the relationship between natural resource management practices and vulnerability in the process of adapting to climate change in Tam Thanh, a rural commune in mid-Central Vietnam. The concept of vulnerability is examined and divided into physical and social vulnerability. Physical vulnerability responds to external stress from natural hazards exacerbated by climate change. Social vulnerability is the ability of a given group or individual to cope with and adapt to any external stress. Based on a household survey, the dynamics of social vulnerability are analysed through the Environmental Entitlements Framework and the Sustainable Livelihood Approach. We find that due to spatial and socio-economic conditions, there are great variations in access to natural resources and endowments which exist between households in the commune and which result in unequal levels of social vulnerability. These differences are reinforced by the impacts of climate change, which are characterised by increased intensity and frequency of typhoons and heavy rainfalls as well as prolonged periods of water scarcity. Natural resource management practices also influence the level of social vulnerability. Poorer households dependent on rice production are especially vulnerable to water scarcity, whereas wealthier households endowed with large plantations of production forest are affected by typhoons. A diversification of income sources reduces the level of social vulnerability. However, alternative income sources beyond climate sensitive natural resources are limited in the commune. The study concludes that a reduction of social vulnerability is essential for a successful adaptation to climate change.KeywordsVulnerabilityNatural resource managementAccessAdaptationResource dependencyClimate change
Published Version
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