Collective and individual adaptation of rice farmers to climatic variability in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

Abstract

This study delves into the intricate challenges posed by climate variability for rice farmers in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. It systematically explores the patterns of climate variability and their profound impacts on rice production across diverse areas within the delta. Through an examination of both collective and individual responses to these challenges, the study identifies local rice adaptation strategies. Data collection methods include focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. The findings unveil notable regional disparities, with farmers in Can Tho and Bac Lieu facing more severe impacts of climate variability during different rice crops compared to those in An Giang province. Can Tho farmers navigate floods and sudden cold, while their counterparts in Bac Lieu contend with risks associated with saline intrusion due to water shortages in the Mekong River and compromised sluice gates. Bac Lieu’s farmers face additional constraints, such as compromised harvests due to heavy rain, resulting in lower quality and prices. This study underscores the importance of collective actions, such as water drainage in Can Tho and freshwater storage in Bac Lieu, in mitigating climate variability. Unfortunately, local innovations in collective action have been constrained by disagreements and conflicts among different stakeholder groups. In light of this, the implications suggest that climate variability in the Mekong has become increasingly complex in recent years, particularly with issues like saline intrusion and drought. Collective adaptation through government intervention at various levels remains a viable strategy to encourage different communities of rice producers to adapt to climate variability.

Keywords

• Adaptation
• climatic variability
• collective action
• community governance
• livelihoods
• social capital