Livelihood Vulnerability Index Research Articles

How Vulnerable Are American States to Wildfires? A Livelihood Vulnerability Assessment

Quantifying livelihood vulnerability to wildland fires in the United States is challenging because of the need to systematically integrate multidimensional variables into its analysis. We aim to measure wildfire threats amongst humans and their physical and social environment by developing a framework to calculate the livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) for the top 14 American states most recently exposed to wildfires. The LVI is computed by assessing each state’s contributing factors (exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity) to wildfire events. These contributing factors are determined through a set of indicator variables that are categorized into corresponding groups to produce an LVI framework. The framework is validated by performing a principal component analysis (PCA), ensuring that each selected indicator variable corresponds to the correct contributing factor. Our results indicate that Arizona and New Mexico experience the greatest livelihood vulnerability. In contrast, California, Florida, and Texas experience the least livelihood vulnerability. While California has one of the highest exposures and sensitivity to wildfires, results indicate that it has a relatively high adaptive capacity, in comparison to the other states, suggesting it has measures in place to withstand these vulnerabilities. These results are critical to wildfire managers, government, policymakers, and research scientists for identifying and providing better resiliency and adaptation measures to support states that are most vulnerable to wildfires.

Livelihood vulnerability assessments and adaptation strategies to climate change: a case study in Tanguar haor, Sylhet

Abstract Bangladesh is very prone to climate-driven hazards due to its unique geographical location, high population density, and low climate resilience. Therefore, this study addresses the livelihood vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies in response to the climate change issues based on empirical evidence from wetland communities using the livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) in Tanguar haor, located in Sylhet, Bangladesh. The finding shows that people of the study area are switching their formal livelihood activities into alternative sources. Crop diversification, homestead gardening, erosion proofing, and cage aquaculture are commonly used by the studied communities to adapt to climate change impacts. The main driver of vulnerabilities was found to be lack of education, underdeveloped infrastructures, lack of advanced health facilities, and lack of alternative livelihoods during extreme events. Therefore, people living in and around the haor region need special consideration. Overall, the study suggests that policy or institutional arrangements are required to promote the better governance system for local communities to improve their living standard so that they can achieve resilience to the impacts of climate variability and change in this area.

NGHIÊN CỨU MỨC ĐỘ TỔN THƯƠNG SINH KẾ CỦA NGƯỜI DÂN VÙNG HẠ LƯU SÔNG BA TRONG BỐI CẢNH BIẾN ĐỔI KHÍ HẬU – TRƯỜNG HỢP NGHIÊN CỨU TẠI XÃ BÌNH NGỌC, THÀNH PHỐ TUY HÒA, TỈNH PHÚ YÊN

The study applies Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and LVI-IPCC to assess the level of livelihood vulnerability of households in Binh Ngoc commune under the impacts of climate change. The LVI includes 7 main factors: household characteristics, livelihood strategies, social networks, health, water resources, food and finance, natural hazards, and climate change. Based on the average value of these key factors, the LVI-IPCC index is made up of three factors: exposure, adaptability, and vulnerability. Calculation results in Binh Ngoc commune show that the LVI and LVI-IPCC indexes have values of 0,278 and 0,016 respectively. This reflects that livelihood vulnerability is not too high, and vulnerability to climate change impacts is moderate. However, the local exposure to climate change impacts is relatively high with a value of 0,476. Besides, people's adaptability is also relatively good with a value of 0,345 and vulnerability is also moderate with a value of 0,126.

An integrated approach for the identification and prioritization of areas based on their livelihood vulnerability index: a case study of agro-pastoral community from Western Indian Himalaya

An integrated approach for the identification and prioritization of areas based on their livelihood vulnerability index: a case study of agro-pastoral community from Western Indian Himalaya

The VULNERABILITY OF SALT FARMER HOUSES IN DONGGOBOLO VILLAGE DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGES

This study aims to determine the vulnerability of salt farmer households due to climate change in Donggobolo Village. Weather anomalies resulting from climate change causes floods and droughts which negatively affect household livelihoods. The method for assessing the vulnerability of salt farmer households in this study is the LVI (Livelihood Vulnerability Index) analysis, LVI-IPCC, and descriptive analysis. LVI analysis uses seven components of vulnerability which include climate variability, food, water, health, socio-demographic profile, livelihood strategies, and social networks. The calculation of the overall value of the LVI components shows that the salt farmer household in Donggobolo Village is closer to the scale value for the most vulnerable conditions, with an index value of 0.333. The value of the climate variability component is the dominant value in the LVI, which is equal to 0.759. Based on the grouping of the seven LVI indicators into the IPCC vulnerability components (exposure, adaptive capacity, and sensitivity), the final score is 0.172. The large value of exposure compared to adaptive capacity causes household conditions to be closer to vulnerable conditions.

The Socio-economic Vulnerability and Villages Community Sustainability Within Tourism Development of Kepulauan Anambas Regency

Coastal and small islands identified as one of the most vulnerable region due to climate change impact. The household socio-economic vulnerability need to be capture as baseline of development. Furthermore, assessment on sustainability of coastal communities are needed as a benchmark for development goals. Aside having development challenges, archipelago ecosystem also keeps capability to shift their community from vulnerable to resilient. The sustainable development goals are:achieve sustain economic growth, social inclusive and promote sustainable natural resources management. Community based tourism development consistent with sustainable development goals. 
 Kepulauan Anambas located in South China Sea, suitable to conduct socio-economic vulnerability and community sustainability research. The objectives are: (1) to analize socio-economic vulnerability, (2) to provide assessment on community sustainability, and (3) to determine community-based tourism development strategies. The study was located at Batu Ampar and Putik villages, Matak Island, Kepulauan Anambas regency, Indonesia.
 Livelihood Vulnerability Index method implemented to estimate household socio-economic vulnerability and Community Sustainability Assessment questionnaire used to generate community sustainability. SWOT analysis use to determine tourism development strategies. The results are: (1) The socio-economic vulnerability identified as Vulnerable (LVIBatu Ampar: 0,337 and LVIPutik: 0,362). (2) The village community sustainability assessment categorized as Indicates a good start toward sustainability (CSABatu Ampar: 720 and CSAPutik: 934). (3) S-O strategies (progressive/aggressive) are promote as main strategies on Community-based tourism development.

Assessing flood vulnerability on livelihood of the local community: a case from Southern Bagmati corridor of Nepal

Flood is one of the prominent hazards in terai region of Nepal. The people living at the bank of the river are more vulnerable to floods. The study was objectively conducted to assess vulnerability from floods on livelihood of riverine households & communities living at up-stream, mid-stream and down-stream at Bagmati river of Sarlahi and Rautahat district of Nepal. About 25% sample size, focus group discussion & key informant's interview were surveyed & carried out through random sampling. A pre-tested semi-questionnaire and check list was prepared & used to collect the socio-demographic profile, livelihood strategies, social networks, financial aspects, physical structure and facilities, health, food, water, forest and natural disasters and climate variability. The duration of study was from July 2019 to December 2020. Collected data were analyzed to calculate the indexed value and vulnerability index using Haln et al.,1 and IPCC2 for comparing the components of flood vulnerability from livelihood aspects. A multi-dimensional integrated flood risk assessment framework, Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) developed by Haln et al.1 and LVI-IPCC, was adopted to quantify household-level flood vulnerability. Results showed that flood vulnerability was higher in downstream/lower belt (with highest LVI value 0.528), followed by Middle belt with medium LVI value 0.506. The least vulnerable is upper belt which has low LVI value 0.323. A significant correlation was observed between contributing factors: vulnerability, contributing factors-exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. Gradation of flood vulnerability found as significantly different. The multivariate analysis recommended that households’ having better preparedness and mitigation measures was influenced by their ability to responds to floods vulnerability. The empirical approach and analysis of this study could be used to reduce vulnerability, enhance adaptive capacity and lower the risk of sensitivity in another region.

Community Livelihood Vulnerability to Climate Change in Ileje District, South-Western Tanzania

Community livelihood assets are important in enhancing household adaptive capacity and resilience to the impact of climate change. This paper examined the vulnerability of community livelihood assets to the impacts of climate change using Ileje District, in south-western Tanzania as a case study. Random sampling was used to select four villages, out of which two villages were sampled from midland and two from highland established agro ecological zones, constituting a total sample size of 308 households. Descriptive statistics was used in data analysis generated from household interviews. A balanced weighted average approach was performed to calculate households’ livelihood vulnerability index (LVI). The results showed that climate change impacted the livelihood assets of households; and more so on social, physical and financial capital; with LVI of 0.7, 0.4, and 0.4, respectively. Households’ incomes, land and water productivity, biodiversity, soil fertility and water flow from water sources were reduced; household health and employment opportunities were impacted; whereas households’ food shortage and poverty increased. The results also revealed the adaptive capacity index of 0.35 (overall), 0.34 (midland zone) and 0.36 (highland zone), indicating the study area to be moderately vulnerable to climate change. This paper argues that assessing the magnitude of climate change impacts on households’ livelihood assets is strategic for sustainable adaptation to climate changes as it guides policy makers and planners on appropriate management measures. Similarly, increasing the access of livelihood assets to the more vulnerable households is vital for sustaining their livelihoods.

Determining Freshwater Lake Communities’ Vulnerability to Snowstorms in the Northwest Territories

As the exposure to extreme snowstorms continues to change in response to a warming climate, this can lead to higher infrastructure damages, financial instability, accessibility restrictions, as well as safety and health effects. However, it is challenging to quantify the impacts associated with the combination of the many biophysical and socio-economic factors for resiliency and adaptation assessments across many disciplines on multiple spatial and temporal scales. This study applies a framework to quantitatively determine the multiple impacts of snowstorms by calculating the livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) for four exposed freshwater lake communities in Canada’s Northwest Territories using three contributing factors (exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity). Results indicate that Déline is the most vulnerable community (0.67), because it has the highest exposure and one of the highest sensitivity ranks, while its ability to adapt to exposure stressors is the lowest among the communities. In contrast, Fort Resolution exhibits the lowest LVI (0.26) and has one of the highest adaptive capacities. This study emphasizes that while these freshwater communities may be exposed to snowstorms, they have different levels of sensitivity and adaptive capacities in place that influences their vulnerability to changes in hazardous snowfall conditions. The information gained from this study can help guide future adaptation, mitigation, and resiliency practices for Arctic sustainability efforts.

Assessing Impact of Climate Variability in Southwest Coastal Bangladesh Using Livelihood Vulnerability Index

This study analyzed the variability of rainfall and temperature in southwest coastal Bangladesh and assessed the impact of such variability on local livelihood in the last two decades. The variability analysis involved the use of coefficient of variation (CV), standardized precipitation anomaly (Z), and precipitation concentration index (PCI). Linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the trends, and a Mann–Kendall test was performed to detect the significance of the trends. The impact of climate variability was assessed by using a livelihood vulnerability index (LVI), which consisted of six livelihood components with several sub-components under each component. Primary data to construct the LVIs were collected through a semi-structed questionnaire survey of 132 households in a coastal polder. The survey data were triangulated and supplemented with qualitative data from focused group discussions and key informant interviews. The results showed significant rises in temperature in southwest coastal Bangladesh. Though there were no discernable trends in annual and seasonal rainfalls, the anomalies increased in the dry season. The annual PCI and Z were found to capture the climate variability better than the currently used mean monthly standard deviation. The comparison of the LVIs of the present decade with the past indicated that the livelihood vulnerability, particularly in the water component, had increased in the coastal polder due to the increases in natural hazards and climate variability. The index-based vulnerability analysis conducted in this study can be adapted for livelihood vulnerability assessment in deltaic coastal areas of Asia and Africa.

Assessing Livelihood Vulnerability of Minority Ethnic Groups to Climate Change: A Case Study from the Northwest Mountainous Regions of Vietnam

Climate variability, climate change, and extreme events can compound the vulnerability of people heavily reliant on agriculture. Those with intersecting disadvantages, such as women, the poor, and ethnic minority groups, may be particularly affected. Understanding and assessing diverse vulnerabilities, especially those related to ethnicity, are therefore potentially important to the development of policies and programs aimed at enabling adaptation in such groups. This study uses a livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) method, along with qualitative data analysis, to compare the vulnerability of different smallholder farmers in Son La province, one of the poorest provinces in Vietnam. Data were collected from 240 households, representing four minority ethnic groups. The results indicated that household vulnerability is influenced by factors such as income diversity, debt, organizational membership, support from and awareness by local authorities, access to health services, water resources, and location. Results revealed that two of the ethnic groups’ households were, on average, more vulnerable, particularly regarding livelihood strategies, health, water, housing and productive land, and social network items when compared to the other two ethnic groups. The study shows the need for targeted interventions to reduce the vulnerability of these and similarly placed small ethnic communities.

An assessment of the smallholder rice farming households’ vulnerability to climate change and variability in the Mekong delta region of Vietnam

ABSTRACT This study assessed the livelihood vulnerability of rice farming households in Can Tho, Dong Thap, and Tien Giang provinces in the Mekong delta region (MDR) of Vietnam using primary data collected from 405 rice farmers, and the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and LVI-Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (LVI-IPCC) approaches. The calculated LVI revealed that rice farming households were vulnerable in terms of the social network, livelihood strategies, natural disaster and climate variability, and food security. The LVI-IPCC revealed that Tien Giang province was the most vulnerable to climate change and variability, followed by Can Tho province. The findings suggest that intervention programmes strengthen communication networks among farmers and those local governments and other organisations to provide subsidies and training courses for farmers to cope with climatic events, as well as create more opportunities for them to diversify their income sources.

Livelihood vulnerability and climate change: a comparative analysis of smallholders in the Indo-Gangetic plains

In the Indo-Gangetic Plains, one of India’s most productive agricultural regions, smallholder livelihood vulnerability can inhibit sustainable development. As there are significant differences in economic development, natural resources and agricultural productivity within the region, we estimate the Livelihood Vulnerability Index in two districts (Vaishali, Bihar and Karnal, Haryana) to determine suitable adaptation strategies under diverse conditions. To reflect different aspects of climate exposure, we include both self-reported climate shocks and spatially interpolated weather data. The assessment of 1127 households shows that while both districts have similar exposure and adaptive capacity levels, the sensitivity dimension makes Vaishali more vulnerable to climate change. To reduce sensitivity, decision-makers should focus on improving infrastructure (e.g., permanent housing, latrines, health centers, alternative energy sources). To improve adaptive capacity and reduce climate risk in both regions, policymakers should promote the expansion of extension training for livelihood diversification, information and communication technologies as well as conservation agriculture.

Determinants of livelihood vulnerability to climate change: Two minority ethnic communities in the northwest mountainous region of Vietnam

This study identifies indicators that determine livelihood vulnerability of households to climate change in minority ethnic communities in the northwest mountainous region of Vietnam. The two Thai and H’mong communities were selected for the household survey. Household livelihood vulnerability in each community was assessed using a composite livelihood vulnerability index that references the IPCC framework. Results were analyzed using a multiple linear regression model with latent variables. The study indicated that the H’mong community is significantly more vulnerable than the Thai community. The H’mong community is more vulnerable to climate change mainly due to the higher level of sensitivity to natural disasters while the ability to adapt to climate change is lower. The key factors determining the vulnerability of the both communities are related to the adaptive capacity that households have including social networks, livelihood strategies and their household demographics. The results are helpful in identifying determinants of livelihood vulnerability to climate change of mountainous ethnic minority communities and may be applicable to other mountainous regions worldwide. Strategies to cope with climate change in the region are suggested.

Assessing The Impacts of Climate Variability on Rural Households in Agricultural Land Through The Application of Livelihood Vulnerability Index

Climate variability adversely affects rural households in Ethiopia as they depend on rain-fed agriculture, which is highly vulnerable to climate fluctuations and severe events such as drought and pests. In view of this, we have assessed the impacts of climate variability on rural household’s livelihoods in agricultural land in Tarchazuria district of Dawuro Zone. A total of 270 samples of household heads were selected using a multistage sampling technique with sample size allocation procedures of the simple random sampling method. Simple linear regression, the standard precipitation index, the coefficient of variance, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze climatic data such as rainfall and temperature. Two livelihood vulnerability analysis approaches, such as composite index and Livelihood Vulnerability Index-Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (LVI-IPCC) approaches, were used to analyze indices for socioeconomic and biophysical indicators. The study revealed that the variability patterns of rainfall and increasing temperatures had been detrimental effects on rural households' livelihoods. The result showed households of overall standardized, average scores of Wara Gesa (0.60) had high livelihood vulnerability with dominant major components of natural, physical, social capital, and livelihood strategies to climate-induced natural hazards than Mela Gelda (0.56). The LVI-IPCC analysis results also revealed that the rural households in Mela Gelda were more exposed to climate variability than Wara Gesa and slightly sensitive to climate variability, considering the health and knowledge and skills, natural capitals, and financial capitals of the households. Therefore, interventions including road infrastructure construction, integrated with watershed management, early warning information system, providing training, livelihood diversification, and SWC measures' practices should be a better response to climate variability-induced natural hazards.
 Keywords: Households; Livelihood Vulnerability Index; climate variability; Tarchazuria District
 
 Copyright (c) 2021 Geosfera Indonesia and Department of Geography Education, University of Jember
 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share A like 4.0 International License

Are the households in coal mining regions more vulnerable? A study in Talcher Coalfield of India

Undoubtedly, coal is playing an important role in shaping today’s world. But, excessive extraction of coal has created several adverse effects on the local economy as well as on the global economy. In this study, the households’ vulnerability to coal mining operations is assessed by taking two indicators, i.e., the livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) and livelihood effect index (LEI) in active coal mining and non-mining villages of Talcher Coalfields region of Angul district of Odisha, India. The mining village has shown more vulnerability than the non-mining village in both indices. In LVI, natural disaster, climate variation, and environmental quality (NDCVEQ) indicator is the dominant factor that greatly impacted the overall vulnerability level of the households followed by water (W), health (H), and finance (FIN). Out of the five capitals of LEI, natural capital and financial capital have been affected more due to coal mining activities in the mining village, than the non-mining village. This reflects that households in the mining village are more susceptible to various environmental related issues, and hence, they need to adopt adequate measures to cope up with the issues created from mining operations. Additionally, the mining companies are needed to undertake effective steps to curtail the negative externalities and protect the interests of the local inhabitants.

Smallholder farmers’ livelihood vulnerability to climate change-induced hazards: agroecology-based comparative analysis in Northcentral Ethiopia (Woleka Sub-basin)

BackgroundDue to its climate-sensitive agricultural system and low adaptive capacity of the subsistence farmers, Ethiopia is cited among the countries experiencing frequent drought and highly vulnerable to climate change associated impacts. Micro level vulnerability assessment, in the context of a changing climate, has a paramount significance in designing policies addressing climate change induced effects. Assessing vulnerability to climate change is important for defining the risks posed by the change and it provides a starting point for the determination of effective means of promoting remedial actions to minimize impacts by supporting coping strategies and facilitating adaptation options targeted at specific context. MethodsWe employed cross-sectional survey research design has to examine the extent of livelihood vulnerability of 384 randomly selected smallholder farmers from three agroecologies which was supplemented by interviews. Livelihood vulnerability index, using integrated indicator approaches and principal component analysis, has been used. Chi-square test, F-test and t-test were used to examine association and mean differences among three agroecologies and between cropping types in terms of different attributes. FindingsOverall, smallholder farmers living in kolla agroecology were found to be the most vulnerable to climate change induced hazards followed by dega. In terms of type of cropping season, belg dominated areas were relatively more vulnerable than those residing in meher dominated areas. Different biophysical and socio-economic attributes contributed their own role both for exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity differences among smallholder farmers farming in different agroecologies and different types of cropping seasons. ConclusionWe recommend that interventions undertaken to lessen the impact of climate change should be targeted to the factors which contribute to high extent of sensitivity and for those which could enhance the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers. Specifically, we suggest that resilience-building adaptation interventions like expansion of small-scale irrigation, accessing of microfinance service, early warning and timely information, extension support, non-farm sources of income, training and skill development, expansion of infrastructure have to be promoted thereby increase the adaptive capacity of subsistence rainfed-dependent farmers to withstand the vagaries of the climate variability risk. Moreover, disparities in the same agroecology have to be addressed properly in livelihood vulnerability discourse.

Measuring Livelihood Vulnerability to Large-Scale and Small-Scale Mining in Rural Ghana: A Comparative Examination of Agrarian Households

While promoting both large-scale and small-scale mining to facilitate rural development and poverty reduction, it becomes imperative to examine the level of exposure and the risk of mining on assets and livelihoods of agrarian households in mining communities. The study was, therefore, designed to examine the differential effect of the risk of large-scale and small-scale mining on livelihoods of agrarian households. The study covered five regions of Ghana namely, Ashanti, Eastern, Western, Central and Brong-Ahafo Regions, where both large-scale and small-scale mining are pervasive. A two-stage sampling technique was used to sample 864 agrarian households in the study area for primary data. The 864 households comprised 432 households selected from 36 communities which are exclusively exposed to the activities of large-scale mining and 432 households selected from 36 communities exclusively exposed to the activities of small-scale mining. Household livelihood vulnerability (HLV) index was used to measure livelihood vulnerability to the risk of mining. The study established that though agrarian households are susceptible to both large-scale and small-scale mining, assets and livelihoods of such households are more vulnerable to the risk of large-scale mining than small-scale mining. Emanating from the study are recommendations to reduce household livelihood vulnerability to both large-scale and small-scale mining and facilitate livelihood development among agrarian households in mining communities of rural Ghana.

Livelihood vulnerability index: a pragmatic assessment of climatic changes in flood affected community of Jhok Reserve Forest, Punjab, Pakistan

Pakistan is known to be a climate vulnerable country in the world. Being an agrarian country, floods poses higher threat to rural livelihood. The study assessed the underline causes of livelihood vulnerability in a flood prone rural area surrounded by riverine Jhok Reserve forest of Punjab Province. Using Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI), eight potential components were inquired from two hundred natural-resource dependent households. Two approaches of LVI were customized to incorporate indigenous knowledge into 42 sub-components. The findings of the study showed that local people had poor socio-economic conditions, which led to have a wide networking gap in the community. People have become highly vulnerable to climatic changes because of higher environmental degradation in form of riverbank erosion, deforestation, etc. It was revealed that community in Jhok Reserve Forest had low adaptive capacities mainly due to higher poverty, low education level and lack of awareness about future disasters. And this has exposed them being unable to adapt to environmental changes. The findings of the study are significant for the policy makers to analyze the root causes of livelihood vulnerability and formulate agricultural adaptations for other rural communities. Overall, it is suggested that a reliable vulnerability assessment approach is presented in the study which can be replicated in other settings and regions of the world.

Assessing the vulnerability of Gayo coffee households towards floods and landslides in Central Aceh-Indonesia

This study aims to analyze the vulnerability of Gayo highland smallholder coffee farmers in Indonesia. On the one hand, this region produced premium quality arabica coffees, but on the other hand, it is prone to flooding and landslides. This study employs household survey data of 34 affected coffee farmers collected in 2020. A Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) approach was employed to evaluate the vulnerability to floods and landslide impacts using different indicators along with three major components i.e. sensitivity, exposure, and adaptive capacity. The results showed that the livelihoods of Gayo coffee farmers are vulnerable to floods and landslides impacts and necessarily need efforts to improve their adaptive capacity.