Livelihood Vulnerability Index Research Articles

Determinants of Perception, Adaptation Strategy and Measuring Composite Vulnerability of Agricultural Households to Climate Change in the Desert State Rajasthan, India

The study aims to assess agricultural households’ vulnerability, perception and adaptation to climate change in the desert state of Rajasthan, India. A data set of 600 households was collected using a purposive random sampling technique from six districts: Ajmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Dausa and Tonk. While using the binary logit model, factors affecting the perception and adaptation of agricultural households were assessed, and a composite livelihood vulnerability index was constructed to determine the households’ susceptibility to climate change. The findings suggest that the majority of the households are moderately vulnerable. Of the total households surveyed, 89 per cent of the agricultural households perceive climate change. 83.3 per cent of perceived households used adaptation strategies such as mixed cropping, crop rotation and farm ponds. Socioeconomic variables like the educational status of the household head, farming experience, type of agriculture financial support, agricultural training, land size and access to agricultural institutions influence farmers’ adaptation decisions. Further, lack of information, extension services, access to credit, improved seeds and water, insufficient capital, infertile soil and a labour shortage are barriers to adaptive strategies. Hence, the study recommends effective government policies to enhance credit availability, financial support and agricultural mechanisation for agricultural households. JEL Codes: Q54, Q12, Q18

Livelihood Vulnerability from Drought among Smallholder Livestock Farmers in South Africa

The impacts of drought and climate change on agriculture have become increasingly apparent, and affect smallholder livestock farmers. Farmers’ livelihoods rely on agriculture; thus, they are vulnerable to the primary and secondary impacts of climate change. In South Africa, policies for increasing the resilience of smallholder livestock farmers who have suffered from agricultural drought have not paid sufficient attention to the level of livelihood vulnerability. This study assessed the level of livelihood vulnerability of smallholder livestock farmers in the drought-stricken Frances Baard District Municipality in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The livelihood vulnerability of 217 randomly selected farmers from the municipality were determined using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and Livelihood Vulnerability Index of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (LVI-IPCC), which includes seven components and 34 subcomponents addressing livelihood. A high level of livelihood vulnerability, with an LVI score of 0.436, was determined and attributed to high-risk livelihood strategies, food, social networks, health, water, sociodemographics, natural disasters, and climate change. The LVI-IPCC of 0.04 also showed moderate vulnerability due to high exposure, high sensitivity, and low adaptive capacity, especially for the Phokwane, Dikgatlong, and Magareng districts in the Frances Baard municipality. Given continued drought recurrences, it is crucial for the government and other stakeholders to implement strategic and targeted sustainable interventions. The resilience of smallholder livestock farmers should be enhanced by increasing their adaptive capacity through diversified livelihood options while decreasing exposure and sensitivity to agricultural drought risks.

The role of agroforestry systems for addressing climate change livelihood vulnerability of farmers of Northwestern Ethiopia

Farmers in Ethiopia have been vulnerable to climate change in recent decades. In the face of this change, farmers have managed agroforestry systems to maintain their livelihoods. However, studies exploring the role of agroforestry in reducing household vulnerability are lacking in Northwestern Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were to (i) investigate households’ livelihoods vulnerability to climate change in Northwestern Ethiopia; (iii) assess the role of agroforestry in mitigating the negative impacts of climate change on farmers livelihoods. Key informant interviews, in-depth interviews, household surveys (387), and focus group discussions were used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, the X2-test, and the t-test were run to analyze the data. The findings revealed that households are vulnerable to rising temperatures, rainfall variability, frost, disease and pests, erosion, hailstorms, price hikes, wildlife damage to crops, and health stress. Agroforestry non-practitioners had a higher livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) (0.42 ± 0.081) than practitioners (0.46 ± 0.079). The Livelihood Vulnerability-Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change Index (LVI-IPCC) showed that AF non-practitioners had a higher exposure (0.58), sensitivity (0.54) index, and a lower adaptive capacity index (0.44) than the exposure (0.34), sensitivity (0.38), and adaptive capacity index (0.51) of practitioners. Plant diversity, income level and diversity, livelihood activities, social network, and food security status of farmers were improved by agroforestry. Farmers were therefore less susceptible to adverse climate shocks. Thus, the AF system could be part of future adaptation and resilience programs that provide dependable tools to minimize households’ vulnerability to climate shocks. However, management guidelines, such as understanding local ecosystems, setting clear objectives, choosing suitable species, planning for diversity, considering the market, and regular maintenance and monitoring, are needed for agroforestry to improve its contribution.

Forest Fire Hazards and Livelihood Vulnerability Assessment of Ghumsur Forests in Ganjam District of Odisha

Background: The livelihood patterns of indigenous tribal communities residing in the Ghumsur forests are intricately interwoven with their dependence on forest-related activities. However, the degradation of forest ecosystems, particularly the incidence of forest fires, exerts a profound impact on the socio-economic dynamics and resilience of these communities. Consequently, an exigent need arises to comprehensively elucidate, evaluate and comprehend the nuanced characteristics of these areas concerning the complex interplay between forest fires and livelihoods. Methods: A thorough investigation was conducted to evaluate livelihood vulnerability to forest fires in the Ghumsur North Division forests. This assessment utilized the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI), incorporating 34 indicators condensed into six factors for a comprehensive composite index. The factors represented various aspects of vulnerability and were based on tangible indicators reflecting the complexity of livelihood vulnerability. Data sources were primarily used, with indicators standardized on a scale from 0 to 1, where values near 1 indicated higher vulnerability. Result: The Gallery sub-region is particularly vulnerable due to factors like poor infrastructure, increased reliance on forests, close proximity to forested areas, socio-economic fragility and exposure to extreme weather events. It’s crucial to improve adaptive capacity in fire-affected regions to reduce vulnerability to forest fires. Tailored policy interventions should focus on sector-specific development programs and involve communities in adaptation planning to address the link between livelihoods and susceptibility to forest fires.

Smallholder farmers’ vulnerability to climate change in northwest Ethiopia

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the vulnerability of smallholder farmers to climate change in northwest Ethiopia. Design/methodology/approach To achieve this aim, data was collected from a survey of 352 households, which were stratified into three groups: Lay Gayint (138 or 39%), Tach Gayint (117 or 33%) and Simada district (97 or 28%). To gain a deeper understanding of the vulnerability of these households, two approaches were used: the livelihood vulnerability index (LVI), consisting of 32 indicators, and the socioeconomic vulnerability index (SeVI), containing 31 indicators. Furthermore, qualitative data was obtained through focus group discussions conducted in six randomly chosen groups from the three districts, which were used to supplement the findings. Findings Both methods indicate that Simada is the most vulnerable district, followed by Tach Gayint and Lay Gayint. According to the SeVI approach, Simada district showed the highest level of sensitivity and exposure to climate-related hazards, as well as the lowest score for adaptive capacity. However, using the LVI approach, Simada district was found to have the highest sensitivity to climate effects and exposure to climate-related hazards, along with a higher adaptive capacity than both Lay Gayint and Tach Gayint districts. Originality/value Although there are numerous studies available on the vulnerability of farmers to climate change, this particular study stands out by using and contrasting two approaches – the LVI and the SeVI – to assess the vulnerability of households in the study area. Previous research has indicated that no single approach is sufficient to evaluate climate change vulnerability, as each approach has its own strengths and limitations. The findings of this study have significant implications for policymakers and development practitioners, as they can use the results to identify the households that are most vulnerable to climate change. This will enable them to design adaptation options that are tailored to the specific needs of each community and that will effectively address the risks of current and future climate change.

Taking Stock of Recent Progress in Livelihood Vulnerability Assessments to Climate Change in the Developing World

Over the past few decades, the use of vulnerability assessments has grown substantially to support rural communities in developing countries. These studies aim to help these communities achieve their livelihood goals, such as sustainable resource use and adaptation to global changes, by evaluating their susceptibility to climate change impacts. This systematic review critically examines the extensive body of literature on Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) assessments related to climate change impacts in developing countries. By synthesizing findings from various studies, this review highlights patterns and methodologies used to understand the effects of climate change on vulnerable populations. Key focus areas include geographical distribution, methodological approaches, and the frameworks utilized in vulnerability assessments. The review identifies prominent frameworks, such as the LVI and LVI-IPCC, which integrate indicators of sensitivity, exposure, and adaptive capacity to evaluate climate risks. Findings reveal a concentration of studies in Asia and Africa, with a strong emphasis on agricultural and coastal ecosystems. Methodologically, there is a notable reliance on stratified random sampling to accurately capture community and household-level vulnerabilities. A detailed comparative analysis of the LVI, LVI-IPCC, and Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) is also presented, highlighting their characteristics, benefits, and limitations. The review underscores the need for methodological refinements to better address temporal and regional variations in vulnerability. It concludes with recommendations for future research, integrating broader climate scenarios, exploring sectoral interdependencies, and adopting dynamic approaches to enhance the accuracy and applicability of vulnerability assessments.

Measuring climate vulnerability of tourism-dependent livelihoods: The case of Lamgtang National Park

Climate change poses significant challenges to tourism-dependent communities in mountain regions, threatening their livelihoods and well-being. However, there is a lack of comprehensive assessments that consider the multidimensional nature of vulnerability and the specific socio-cultural contexts of these communities. This study assesses the livelihood vulnerability of tourism-dependent communities in Lamtang National Park exposed to climate change using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and the Livelihood Vulnerability Index -Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (LVI-IPCC) framework. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including household surveys (n=119), vulnerability index calculations, and analysis of weather data. The purposive stratified sampling based on ecological gradient and proximity to trekking trails ensured the representativeness of the sample. One hundred nineteen households were surveyed, with respondents from the Hill Janajati ethnic group. Results showed that the majority of households (63%) were tourism-dominant, followed by agriculture-dominant (17%) and mixed livelihood (13%). The LVI results revealed a moderate vulnerability (0.365), with financial and natural capitals being the most vulnerable. The LVI-IPCC analysis showed that the community's adaptive capacity (0.537) is slightly lower than its exposure (0.564), and sensitivity is comparatively low (0.296), resulting in a low LVI-IPCC index (0.01). Weather data analysis, including the Mann-Kendall trend test, Sen's slope analysis, and multi-model ensemble projections, indicated increasing precipitation trends and a warmer, wetter future for the region. The triangulation of LVI, LVI-IPCC, forecast data, and weather station data strengthens the findings and highlights the need for targeted interventions. The projected changes in temperature and precipitation patterns for Rasuwa district and vulnerability status of tourism-dependent communities highlight the urgency of implementing climate change adaptation measures, which may include diversifying livelihoods, improving access to education and training, strengthening social support systems, and promoting sustainable land and water management practices.

Assessment of the Vulnerability of Households Led by Men and Women to the Impacts of Climate-Related Natural Disasters in the Coastal Areas of Myanmar and Vietnam

Farm households along the coastlines of Myanmar and Vietnam are becoming increasingly vulnerable to flooding, saltwater intrusion, and rising sea levels. There is little information available on the relative vulnerability of men- and women-headed households, and the governments of Myanmar and Vietnam have not identified or implemented any adaptive measures aimed specifically at vulnerable peoples. This study aims to fill these gaps and assess the relative climate change vulnerability of men- and women-headed farm households. This study considers 599 farm households from two regions of Myanmar and 300 households from Thua Thien Hue province of Vietnam for the period 2021–2022. We offer a livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) analysis of men- and women-headed farm households using 46 indicators arranged into seven major components. The aggregate LVI scores indicate that farm households in Myanmar are more vulnerable (scores of 0.459 for men and 0.476 for women) to climate-related natural disasters than farm households in Vietnam (scores of 0.288 for men and 0.292 for women), regardless of the gender of the head of household. Total vulnerability indexing scores indicate that women-headed households are more vulnerable than men-headed households in both countries. Poor adaptive capacity and highly sensitive LVI dimensional scores explain the greater vulnerability of women-headed farm households. The findings also highlight the importance of the adaptive capacity components reflected in the LVI analysis in reducing farm households’ vulnerability.

The effect of total factor productivity on the food security and livelihood vulnerability of farm households in Bangladesh

Food security and livelihood vulnerability are important issues for the economic sustainability of developing countries like Bangladesh. This study examines the influence of total factor productivity (TFP) on the livelihood vulnerability and food security of rice farming households in Bangladesh. Data from 1,841 rice farming households were extracted from the Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey (2015 and 2018) conducted by the International Food Policy Research Institute. Various statistical methods, such as the stochastic frontier model, principal component analysis, path analysis using structural equation modeling, and multivariate regression, were employed to analyze the data. The study utilizes a multivariate modeling approach that combines the stochastic frontier model to determine TFP and sophisticated methodologies to estimate the livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) and women’s empowerment in agriculture index (WEAI). The LVI, household dietary diversity Score (HDDS), TFP, and WEAI scores were 0.454, 10.72, 0.703, and 0.717, respectively. The results indicate a significant relationship between TFP and both LVI and HDDS. Higher TFP is associated with lower LVI and higher HDDS among rice farming households, suggesting that improving TFP can enhance food security and reduce vulnerability. The multivariate regression analysis reveals that TFP, household wealth index, women’s empowerment in agriculture index, per capita food expenditure, household level welfare, and household size have a positive significant impact on HDDS, while TFP is negatively associated with LVI, per capita food expenditure and household size. The findings underscore the importance of increasing TFP to improve food security, reduce livelihood vulnerability, and achieve sustainable development goals in countries like Bangladesh. Higher TFP yields positive outcomes regarding household dietary diversity and livelihood vulnerability, highlighting the need for agricultural policies that prioritize TFP enhancement. Policymakers and professionals can use these findings as a roadmap to implement advanced agricultural policies to achieve food security and reduce livelihood vulnerability. Improving household dietary diversity and reducing livelihood vulnerability can be achieved by focusing on increasing TFP, enhancing household wealth, women’s empowerment, per capita food expenditure, household welfare, and household size. Therefore, increasing TFP should be considered in the design of policies aiming to achieve SDGs Goal 2.

Analysis of Agrotourism Livelihood Assets in Batu City

With the increasing number of tourists visiting Batu City. This continuous increase represents an opportunity for the people of Batu City to develop their tourism sector. Agrotourism is one of the widely implemented tourism concepts in Batu City. Agrotourism is a concept that utilizes agriculture as its main attraction, aiming to provide recreational and educational experiences for tourists. This study aims to assess the development of tourism activities in Agrotourism in Batu City based on livelihood assets. The research utilizes a quantitative method employing the Asset Pentagon diagram. The analysis involves Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) the assets to determine the most vulnerable one, visualized through a pentagon radar diagram. The measurement of livelihood assets includes variables such as human capital, social capital, natural capital, financial capital, and institutional capital. According to the results, the LVI in Desa Wisata Sidomulyo is 0.359, classified as "moderate" vulnerability the LVI in Desa Wisata Pandanrejo is 0.391, classified as "moderate" vulnerability the LVI in Wisata Eduaksi Dadaprejo is 0.266, classified as "low" vulnerability.

A study on climate‐driven vulnerabilities in the Ranganadi river basin: Sand‐Casting impacts on rural households

AbstractThe Ranganadi river basin, spanning a catchment area of 2335 km2 in the North Lakhimpur region of Assam is one of the worst flood‐affected areas in the North Eastern region of India. The basin is densely populated and the land around this river is extensively used for cultivation. Progressive migration of the banklines leads to the loss of cultivable land. Breach in embankments protecting agricultural fields during the monsoon, as well as the presence of infertile sand in agriculture fields are some of the most dominant facets of riverine hazards directly connected with the loss of livelihood in the study area The objective of this research is to assess the vulnerability of the population residing in these flood plains to the impacts of sand casting, utilizing Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) approach. The research included 377 households, and a comprehensive analysis was carried out. The analysis revealed varying degrees of vulnerability for 0.306 (socio‐demographic profile), 0.489 (livelihood strategies), and 0.413 (social networks). Sensitivity values were 0.495 (health), 0.487 (food security), 0.368 (water availability), and 0.391 (psychological factors). Exposure was rated high at 0.494, indicating vulnerability to natural disasters and climate variability. These values highlighted the most vulnerable components of the population due to the disaster and helped to suggest vulnerability reduction measures. The novelty of the study based on the result is that the LVI was meticulously formulated and adapted specifically for the study area. This localized approach allowed the unique socio‐economic and environmental dynamics of the affected population to be captured very well.

Livelihood vulnerability of coastal communities in context of the climate change: A index-based assessment

The livelihoods of coastal communities in Bangladesh are being significantly impacted by climate change and natural hazards, primarily due to their heavy reliance on climate-sensitive natural resources. This study assesses the vulnerability of coastal communities in Bangladesh using two approaches: the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and the LVI-IPCC approach. Primary data obtained from household surveys were used to calculate the vulnerability indices, avoiding reliance on secondary data and climate models. The results show that Dhulasar and Dalbuganj unions are extremely vulnerable, with livelihood strategies, water, natural hazards and climate variability, and health being the major contributing factors. The exposure to natural hazards and climate variability is highest in Dhulasar and Dalbuganj, while Lata Chapli union exhibits the lowest adaptive capacity. Interestingly, the LVI and LVI-IPCC approaches yield opposite results, with Dalbuganj being extremely vulnerable and Lata Chapli being the least vulnerable. Exposure to natural hazards and climate variability, sensitivity to health, food and nutrition, water, and land, and adaptive capacity in terms of socio-demographic factors and livelihood strategies were found to influence vulnerability. The study suggests that policy measures should focus on reducing sensitivity, improving adaptive capacity, and addressing the specific needs of marginalized groups in coastal communities. Enhancing socio-demographic profiles, social networks, and diversification of livelihood activities are recommended for reducing vulnerability. Further research is needed to better understand and address the impacts of climate variability and change on coastal livelihood systems.

Lowland smallholders’ livelihood vulnerability to Climate change-induced hazards in Southern Ethiopia

Livelihood vulnerability to climate change-induced hazards is a serious problem for all agro-ecological contexts, notwithstanding being more severe for various groups of lowland smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. This study used cross-sectional survey data of 422 households from three sublowland agro-ecologies to assess differences in lowland smallholder farmers' vulnerability to climate change-induced hazards. Exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity indications were built based on the literature review. The vulnerability index of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the livelihood vulnerability index were calculated by giving different weights through principal component analysis (PCA) to the standardized indicators. The findings show that hot-to-warm sub-moist lowland agro-ecology is highly exposed, and sensitive and also has a lower ability for risk adaptation. This may be due to comparatively limited access to institutional infrastructure, usage of innovation, wealth status, diversification of sources of income, and social networks compared to other lowland agro-ecologies (p < 0.001). The policy implication of the study's findings is that the government and nongovernmental organizations must plan and implement sublowland agro ecology-specific adaptation strategies to reduce vulnerability to climate change-induced hazards by giving priority to the Hot-to-Warm Sub-Moist lowland Area.

An application of adjusted livelihood vulnerability index to assess vulnerability to climate change in the char areas of Assam, India

In this paper, socio-ethnographic and Livelihood Vulnerability Index methods have been used as qualitative and quantitative methods respectively to measure vulnerability due to climate change. Three hundred and ninety four (394) numbers of households of Char inhabitants across the Brahmaputra Basin of Assam, India were interviewed during the period of May 2022 to September 2022. Access to food and housing were found to be the main drivers of vulnerability in almost all the Char areas. The study reveals that though ethnically a section of people is seen to be resilient in terms of flood; different geographical factors overpower such advantage, increasing the vulnerability of those households. Different factors affected the vulnerability status of the Char dwellers differently across the different locations. Additionally, apart from the different factors of vulnerability considered in the model used, the study also revealed that flood, erosion and geographical character of Char areas contributed to the creation of the differences in the degree of vulnerability. The results revealed that there is a need for different treatment for vulnerability reduction for Char dwellers in different locations and for which, the sub-indicators of vulnerability used in the study are needed to be studied carefully. Suggestions were also made on the scope for further study on this aspect.

Livelihood vulnerability of Borana pastoralists to climate change and variability in Southern Ethiopia

PurposeThe purpose of this study results and recommendations will have a paramount significance for policymakers, policy advocates, development planners and practitioners who may be in need of such information for reconsideration, evaluation and inclusion into their respective development and humanitarian programming and operational strategies. Above all, the study result has further provided the local community with viable adaptation strategies to climate-induced changes in the study area.Design/methodology/approachThis study was conducted to measure the livelihood vulnerability of Borana pastoralists to climate change and variability in southern Ethiopia. Pastoralists’ households were sampled using multistage sampling techniques. A total of 27 socio-economic and biophysical indicators were used to reflect vulnerability components: adaptive capacity, exposure and sensitivity. Principal component analysis was used to develop weights for indicators and to produce livelihood vulnerability index to classify households according to their level of vulnerability. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of vulnerability to climate-induced stresses.FindingsThe results showed that 24.4% of households were highly vulnerable, 60.3% were moderately vulnerable and 15.3% of households were less vulnerable to climate-induced stresses. Factor estimates of the logistic model further revealed that early warning information, bush encroachment, coping strategy, temperature, drought frequency, provision of humanitarian services and food shortage during the normal season of the year have a significant influence on vulnerability in the study area.Social implicationsThe study’s results and recommendations will be of great significance to policymakers, development planners, and practitioners who require such information for reconsideration, evaluation, and inclusion in their respective development and humanitarian program and operational strategies. Most importantly, the study’s findings have provided the local community with practical adaptation strategies to climate-induced changes in the study area.Originality/valueThe study explored pastoralist perception of climate change and variability and measured the livelihood vulnerability of pastoralists’ households to climate change and variability and finally investigated viable adaptation and coping strategies in the study area.

Decoding the livelihood vulnerability of flood-prone communities in Vietnam: Implications for disaster risk reduction and sustainable rural development

In the midst of increasing global uncertainties, understanding household vulnerability to disaster risks and identifying the most susceptible individuals and communities has become an urgent concern. This study assesses and compares the flood vulnerability of two communities, Quang Tho and Quang Phuoc, in Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam. The study utilizes primary data collected in 2022 from 280 rural households whose livelihood sources are agriculture and fishery. Flood vulnerability is determined by applying the Livelihood Vulnerability Index based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's definition (LVI-IPCC) approach. Our analysis reveals that both communities exhibit moderate vulnerability to flood hazards across various dimensions. Notably, fishing-only communities are found to be more vulnerable to flooding compared to mixed agri-fishery farmers. Additionally, we have identified several factors that exacerbate vulnerability, including poverty, low education levels, single parenthood, limited resources, narrow livelihood strategies, and inadequate social connections. Therefore, development policies and disaster risk reduction programs should prioritize disadvantaged groups, focusing on promoting social inclusion and gender equality in accessing services and public resources. It is concluded that tailored disaster risk management and rural livelihood development initiatives are crucial to addressing each community's specific vulnerabilities and challenges, fostering resilience, and thus reducing future risks. Achieving greater sustainability and equilibrium for vulnerable groups necessitates continuous action and investment.

LIVELIHOOD VULNERABILITY AND CONSTRAINTS FACED BY THE GUAVA GROWERS

The present study investigated the livelihood vulnerability index and constraints encountered by guava growers in the Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh. The livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) comprises (the exposure index, sensitivity index, and adaptive capacity index) by using the IPCC- vulnerability approach, to evaluate the livelihood vulnerability of 120 guava growers selected by simple random sampling, and the data was collected with the help of a pre-tested interview schedule. The study revealed that the guava growers are greatly exposed (0.81) to climate change, and sensitivity indices underscore the high sensitivity (0.55), in contrast, the adaptive capacity indices (0.34) indicate a comparatively lower adaptive capacity among the surveyed respondents when juxtaposed with the exposure and sensitivity indices. For the constraints, a list of 19 constraints was prepared and grouped into 5 major dimensions. Addressing these challenges has the potential to improve the overall welfare and livelihood vulnerability of guava growers in the study area.

Pendapatan dan Kerentanan Petani Kopi Robusta di Sekitar Kawasan Taman Nasional Bukit Barisan Selatan

Robusta coffee is a plantation commodity that has high potential considering the trend of consumption and large production in several provinces in Indonesia, one of which is Lampung Province, but the increasing production has an impact on land use in the forest area of Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (TNBBS) for coffee farming activities. Moreover, the pandemic that hit around the world create new challenges in this coffee farming business. The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the income level of coffee farming and the vulnerability of coffee farmer families due to the Covid-19 pandemic around TNBBS, both inside and outside TNBBS. Data analysis used farm income analysis and livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) analysis. The results of this study indicate that the income of farmers in the BBSNP area is smaller, namely Rp. 9,833,453.57 while outside the TNBBS area of ​​Rp. 12,571,781.31, the R/C ratio also shows that farming outside the region is the most profitable. Differences in the distance of farmers' land within the area and outside the area contributed greatly to this difference in number. The vulnerability of farming families inside and outside TNBBS is low to moderate in both LVI and LVI calculations considering the IPCC definition. Inadequate livelihood strategies and social networks in some farming households contributed to the LVI figures resulting from the analysis.

A comparison of performance measures of two livelihood vulnerability indices in the context of recurrent tropical flood hazards

Natural hazards often pose a considerable amount of social vulnerability which is the function of exposure, sensitivity and adaptation. Livelihood vulnerability assessment (LVA) benefits site-specific resilience building and disaster management. There are two popular indices of LVA – (1) the livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2007) and another method by (2) Hahn et al. (2009). The study intends to reveal the index that is more suitable to address the flood-induced livelihood vulnerability of the rural communities of the Mayurakshi river basin, India. To this end, the nature of exposure, adaptive capacity and sensitivity involving 35 parameters are measured mainly based on the primary data collected from a questionnaire survey executed over 2382 households spreading over 43 villages from five community development (C.D.) blocks. Moreover, the annual flood reports, district census reports, topographical maps, and satellite images are used as secondary data. The result shows that as per Hahn et al.’s LVI, Khargram (LVI- 0.41) is the most vulnerable block while Nabagram (LVI- 0.35) is the least vulnerable block. However, according to IPCC-LVI, Bharatpur-I has the highest LVI (0.02) and Burwan has the lowest LVI (-0.09). It is observed that exposure exhibits a strong positive correlation with IPCC-LVI and adaptive capacity also maintains a similar correlation with Hahn et al.’s LVI. Interestingly, Kandi is the most exposed block (score: 0.59) with a high adaptive capacity (score: 0.47) resulting in its exclusion from the high LVI category of both methods. This comparative performance assessment underscores the significance of the work before the decision-makers in preparing microscale disaster management plans.

Different gender-based climate change impact on Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara

Differences in the impact of climate change are influenced by the level of vulnerability of each individual, including in terms of gender. Differences in access and control often make women more vulnerable to climate change than men, so the impact and adaptation to climate change will be different. This study aims to understand the differences in the impacts of climate change from a gender perspective in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The quantitative and descriptive method uses data and information obtained from literature reviews, field surveys, and interviews. In addition, a vulnerability analysis was also carried out for the Lombok region using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) assessment. The projection results show that Lombok will experience climate change, such as increasing air temperature and decreasing rainfall. Lombok’s vulnerability to climate change is in the LVI value range of 0.376 to 0.448. The impacts of climate change felt by men and women in Lombok differ because of differences in access, participation, control, and benefits (APCB) influenced. The results show that women are more vulnerable than men. One of the most influential factors is the lower education level for women due to limited resources and access, resulting in a need for more understanding regarding climate change.