- Title
- Livelihood vulnerability and resilience of small-scale fisheries in the face of climate shocks: the case study of Tam Giang–Cau Hai lagoon, Vietnam
- Creator
- Hoang, Ha Dung
- Relation
- University of Newcastle Research Higher Degree Thesis
- Resource Type
- thesis
- Date
- 2021
- Description
- Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Description
- Worldwide, coastal areas have been identified as regions most vulnerable to climate change. During recent decades, theoretical and practical studies have widely documented that the rapid changing of climate has been a driver of various types of climate risks and shocks. Parts of coastal areas, including lowlands, mangrove forests, river deltas, beaches, lagoons and estuaries, are considered the most susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change and variability. Vietnam is frequently cited as a country highly vulnerable to natural disasters. Recent studies have shown that, in Vietnam, most natural disasters, including storms, floods, drought, tropical cyclones and other risks, are directly related to weather variability and climate change. Annually, they cause massive damage to people, property and infrastructure, especially fisheries communities. These disasters, caused by climate change, are commonly referred to as climate shocks. Although it is generally stated that coastal areas and fisheries communities are more vulnerable than others, few studies have carefully analysed this statement, especially in the context of climate shocks and risks in Vietnam. Therefore, this research was designed and implemented to increase the attention and contribute to the scientific literature, as well as providing empirical evidence regarding the concepts of climate shocks, vulnerability and resilience of small-scale fisheries communities. This research was conducted in Tam Giang–Cau Hai lagoon—the largest brackish water body in South East Asia. A research framework was designed based on the findings of a literature review and previous frameworks used by some researchers and organisations. This research analytical framework consists of three essential elements reflecting the research objectives: (1) analysing climate shocks and their impacts on fishers’ livelihoods; (2) classifying the level of livelihood vulnerability of fishery households; and (3) identifying fishery households’ resilience to climate shocks and risks through the narrative of their response strategies. Five fishery communities in two coastal communes, namely Loc Binh and Huong Phong, were selected for research activities. Data were collected via a household survey (N = 181 households), six group discussions and interviews with nine key informant representatives of local authorities, heads of communities, fisheries associations, non-governmental organisations and researchers. Secondary data were gathered from several sources where available. Overall, the findings show that fishers in Loc Binh and Huong Phong clearly recognise the severity and negative impacts of climate shocks. Surprisingly, despite the increase in climate shocks, the Livelihood Vulnerability Index for fishery households was moderate. The main reason for this was that fishery households’ adaptive capacity was relatively high, which was an essential factor in reducing their livelihood vulnerability. More importantly, adaptive capacity has helped local fishers to minimise the effects of climate shocks and to recover quickly. In terms of resilience, this research identifies that local fishers had employed several types of adaptive strategy. Their responses to climate shocks were diverse, ranging from fisheries-related changes to non-fishing procedures. With respect to the research approach, it was shown that application of the analytical framework of this study was appropriate. It emphasises the participation of stakeholders, especially fishers, in the steps of information gathering and evaluation of the situation at the research site. Finally, based on the findings, this research leads to recommendations to develop strategies to minimise livelihood vulnerability and adapt to climate shocks over the long term at the study sites. These recommendations focus on three major dimensions: (1) policy intervention; (2) creation of alternative livelihoods; and (3) investment in the education of future generations.
- Subject
- livelihood vulnerability; resilience; small scale fisheries; Tam Giang - Cau Hai lagoon; Vietnam
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1468619
- Identifier
- uon:48070
- Rights
- Copyright 2021 Ha Dung Hoang
- Language
- eng
- Full Text
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| Thumbnail | File | Description | Size | Format | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| View Details Download | ATTACHMENT01 | Thesis | 5 MB | Adobe Acrobat PDF | View Details Download | ||
| View Details Download | ATTACHMENT02 | Abstract | 312 KB | Adobe Acrobat PDF | View Details Download |