INTRODUCTION
Background
Climate change is a global challenge recognized as a "threat multiplier" that intensifies risks for both natural and human systems, particularly affecting coastal states (IPCC, 2014) It leads to significant damage in communities reliant on natural resources, resulting in food and water insecurity and hindering sustainable development In the Asia-Pacific region, many Asian nations' economies are heavily dependent on natural resources, making them particularly susceptible to the risks posed by climate change.
Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, is identified as the most vulnerable country to climate change, with many coastal residents living in areas prone to natural disasters Their limited adaptive capacity and insufficient resources hinder effective countermeasures Additionally, the primary sources of income for these communities, such as agriculture and aquaculture, are highly sensitive to the effects of changing weather patterns.
Tien Hai district, situated in the coastal zone of Thai Binh province, is a key area of the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO in 2004 alongside Xuan Thuy National Park Despite its ecological significance, Tien Hai has faced severe threats from extreme weather events and unsustainable resource exploitation, leading to the destruction of mangrove and protective forests This degradation of coastal ecosystems has significantly impacted local livelihoods, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts in the region.
In response to climate change, households in Tien Hai are proactively enhancing their livelihoods by building climate resilience, particularly through aquaculture, which benefits from the district's coastal location and abundant aquatic resources Various farming models, including ecological approaches, are being utilized to promote sustainable practices While significant research has focused on the sustainable assessment of natural resources and resilience criteria in coastal areas, there remains a gap in evaluating the resilience of livelihood models within Tien Hai’s coastal community, highlighting the need for targeted assessments to support sustainable development goals.
I have chosen to focus on "Research on Climate-Resilient Livelihoods in the Coastal Area of Tien Hai District, Thai Binh Province." This study will explore various livelihood types and ecological models specific to the Tien Hai coastal region, providing a framework for evaluating resilience to climate change.
Research objectives, questions, and hypothesis
This study investigates the climate resilience of aquaculture, the primary livelihood in the coastal zone of Tien Hai district, Thai Binh province, to promote sustainability Key research objectives, questions, and hypotheses are outlined in Table 1.1.
Table 1.1 The research objectives, questions, and hypothesis
Research hypothesis Research questions Research Objectives
Climate change expressed in increase of Temperature, rainfall, sea level rise and induced extreme weather events, strongly impacts on the livelihood resilience
How has climate change been impacting on the study site in general and on local peoples’ main livelihood - aquaculture?
To identify the climate change and assess its impacts on aquaculture livelihood in the study site
Local households primarily rely on aquaculture to sustain their livelihoods and enhance resilience to climate change However, various constraints hinder their ability to improve production and capacity.
How and to what extent do household's aquaculture practices in the study site contribute to the livelihood resilience?
To assess the current state of climate livelihood resilience of aquaculture households in the study site through developing a set of indicators climate-resilient livelihood
The integrated measures to conserve mangrove ecosystems and increase livelihood resilience to climate change are diversifying eco livelihoods, improvement of eco-shrimp farming technology and support policy etc
What are the constraints of policy of natural resource management and climate change adaption in the study area?
To propose integrated measures for conserve ecosystems and increase livelihood resilience to climate change.
Subject and scope
- Aquaculture livelihood activities of the local households in Nam Phu commune;
- Model of eco-shrimp farming in Nam Phu commune;
- Solutions to enhance the resilience and sustainability of livelihood activities in the buffer zone of Tien Hai District, Thai Binh Province
The study was conducted in Nam Phu commune, which belongs to the buffer zone in Tien Hai Nature Reserve, Tien Hai district, Thai Binh province
Reason for study site selection:
The buffer zone of Tien Hai Nature Reserve encompasses the coastal communes of Nam Phu, Nam Thinh, and Nam Hung This area plays a vital role in safeguarding the ecosystem, preserving biodiversity, and supporting the livelihoods of local communities.
Tien Hai boasts a coastline exceeding 23 km, with a significant focus on agricultural, forestry, and marine production, employing 52.5% of its residents Additionally, 26.5% of the local workforce is engaged in craft and industry, highlighting the area's diverse economic activities (Nam Phu People’s Committee, 2020).
In 2018, aquaculture represented the largest share of production within the agricultural, forestry, and fishery sectors at 56%, while agriculture accounted for 43%, as reported by the Thai Binh Statistical Office (2019) This data highlights the significant role of aquaculture in the economy of the three communes located in the buffer zone of Tien Hai.
Nature Reserve have mangrove forests in the estuaries and coasts (Table 1.2) The mangroves annually provide aquatic resources for residents and many other ecosystem services
Table 1.2 Mangrove Forest and aquaculture area in Tien Hai District
Communes Mangrove Forest area (ha) Aquaculture area (ha)
Source: (Thai Binh Statistical Office, 2019)
The mangrove forest in Nam Hung is the largest in the region, while Nam Phu leads in aquaculture with 1,034 hectares Notably, much of Nam Thinh's aquaculture is dedicated to clam farming, whereas Nam Phu is renowned for its eco-shrimp farming practices, which promote sustainable livelihoods and environmental conservation In fact, eco-shrimp farming occupies 812 hectares in Nam Phu, representing 78% of its total aquaculture area.
The fieldwork in the Tien Hai coastal area is organized into three distinct periods, each with specific objectives outlined in Table 1.3 This research utilizes statistical data and relevant reports concerning climate change and livelihoods in the region.
Table 1.3 Time, place and content of the fieldwork sessions
- Board of management for Tien Hai Nature Reserve
- Overall assessment of the research and study site selection
- Board of management for Tien Hai Nature Reserve
- In-depth interview and case study
- Shrimp pond and livelihood area observation
- Nam Phu commune - Do interviews with aquaculture households (receive support from Board of management for Tien Hai Nature Reserve)
Figure 1.1 Map of study site (Tien Hai District, Thai Binh Province)
Literature review
Recent years have seen a growing focus on livelihood resilience to climate change, particularly in developing countries within Southeast Asia However, much of the existing research tends to evaluate the impacts of natural disasters, local practices, and government policies in isolation, rather than integrating these factors to develop comprehensive countermeasures for climate change risks.
Amin et al (2018) highlighted the potential of climate-resilient alternative livelihood activities to mitigate the impacts of climate change in Bangladesh Their research revealed that housework and fishing are crucial income-generating sectors, with livelihood resilience significantly affected by natural disasters.
Rudiarto et al (2019) conducted a study on five coastal villages in Indonesia severely affected by tidal flooding, aiming to measure livelihood resilience They adapted the Livelihood Resilience Index and Resilience Radar to evaluate resilience across four key dimensions: society, economy, environment, and physical infrastructure This research not only described the state of livelihood resilience but also provided insights for identifying starting points to enhance community resilience in areas prone to tidal flooding.
Galarza-Villamar et al (2018) outlined a detailed process for developing and implementing a participatory risk assessment aimed at enhancing the understanding of livelihood resilience from a local perspective in Ecuador Their research highlighted that integrating local knowledge and interpretations of risk during the initial stages of constructing the assessment tool facilitated its practical application in the field, thereby strengthening the connection between local resilience and risk management capabilities.
Researchers globally are focusing on developing climate-resilient livelihoods, particularly for coastal communities in Asia, Latin America, and Africa Despite this growing interest, there remains a significant gap in studies that adopt a holistic approach to understanding and enhancing climate resilience in these vulnerable regions.
Vietnam is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change and sea-level rise, as highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change These environmental challenges pose significant threats to the nation's sustainable development goals, including poverty reduction Coastal regions in Vietnam are expected to experience a sea-level rise that exceeds the global average In response to these challenges, Vietnam has increasingly adopted aquaculture-oriented farming practices, such as shrimp and rice-shrimp farming, moving away from traditional rice monoculture to enhance resilience against climate change and promote sustainable development.
In Vietnam, research has highlighted the impact of climate change and sea level rise on the resilience of livelihoods, particularly in shrimp aquaculture and fisheries, which are vital economic sectors promoted by the government for poverty reduction, job creation, and export growth However, this expansion has led to significant ecological degradation, including the loss of mangrove forests, water pollution, saline intrusion, and shrimp disease outbreaks, adversely affecting the sustainability of millions of coastal residents reliant on these industries The study identified four indicators of social resilience: economic stability, resource protection, knowledge building, and relationship creation Among two improved extensive shrimp farming systems, the extensive mangrove-shrimp system demonstrated greater social resilience and ecological sustainability, as it exerted less environmental pressure on mangrove forests.
It needed to conserve part of the mangrove forest that would serve as nursery ground for marine shrimp and fish species
Mangrove ecosystems are vital and intricate environments that offer essential livelihood support to coastal communities, particularly in developing nations such as Vietnam However, the primary threat to these mangrove systems is their transformation into aquaculture areas.
A research conducted in three coastal communities of northern Vietnam, Orchard et al.,
In 2015, research revealed that increased aquaculture led to greater income inequality, reduced livelihood diversity, and larger yet less dense social networks To effectively connect different groups within communities reliant on mangrove ecosystems, a diverse range of network ties is essential This diversity fosters the sharing of information and enhances understanding of mangrove system challenges, ultimately promoting self-organization and building resilience for sustainable governance of these vital ecosystems.
Minh Quang & de Wit (2020) conducted a study in Can Tho City and Ca Mau province in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, focusing on the role of transformative learning in enhancing sustainability outcomes within communities Their research highlighted that transformative learning empowers experts and practitioners to introduce innovative ideas, effectively mobilizing local populations to embrace change without creating fear or uncertainty The study concluded that transformative learning is a crucial component of a comprehensive strategy for fostering climate-resilient development in vulnerable coastal communities.
A study by Poelma et al (2021) in Kien Giang, Vietnam, analyzed three agricultural livelihoods: monocrop rice farming, rice-shrimp farming, and extensive shrimp farming, using a mixed-methods approach that included in-depth interviews and household surveys The results indicated that rice-shrimp farmers exhibited the highest resilience to climate change and extreme weather events, while shrimp farmers demonstrated a better ability to recover from climate stressors like drought and saline intrusion In contrast, rice farmers, lacking transformative capacity, were identified as the least resilient The study concluded that the government's shift towards rice-shrimp farming in Kien Giang has been successful, providing a valuable case study for other coastal provinces in Vietnam.
The primary challenge in community-based climate change adaptation lies in ensuring the sustainability and scalability of initiatives It is essential to maintain long-term efforts and effectively share the experiences gained from pilot interventions with broader regions.
Grassroots initiatives have traditionally been seen as the responsibility of NGOs, which have played a pivotal role in their development (Shaw, 2012a) However, many NGO-led activities struggle with long-term sustainability, particularly when these organizations withdraw from the field To ensure the ongoing maintenance and growth of community activities, a supportive local policy environment and robust local institutions are essential Consequently, the primary challenges for community-based adaptation include ensuring the sustainability of local efforts and integrating community issues into broader policy frameworks (Shaw, 2012b).
The World Bank's 2015 report on "The Social Dimension of Adaptation to Climate Change in Vietnam" highlights that diverse strategies for climate change adaptation are essential across various regions of Vietnam, as a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective Different communities have unique perspectives on aligning their development goals with the realities of climate change impacts, necessitating both autonomous and planned adaptations, as well as a combination of hard and soft adaptation measures This underscores the importance of recognizing community and individual adaptation needs as a key finding in the research.
Recent studies highlight the significance of shrimp aquaculture and fisheries as vital economic sectors in Vietnam Coastal communities rely heavily on natural resources, making them susceptible to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters Each community faces unique challenges in adapting to climate change, necessitating the development of climate-resilient livelihoods Consequently, targeted research and case studies are essential for each area to formulate effective policies that address these specific challenges.
The concept “livelihood” is a way of making a living which is made up of three factors: assets, energy and activities required to make a living (Scoones, 1998) The
Overview of research area
Thai Binh province, situated in the southeastern part of the Red River Delta, features a predominantly flat landscape It is bordered to the north by Hai Duong and Hai Phong, while Hung Yen lies to the west.
Ha Nam is situated to the south, while Dinh lies to the east, adjacent to the East Sea Tien Hai district is located in the southeastern part of Thai Binh province, with geographical coordinates of 20°17' N.
Located at 20°28' North latitude and between 106°27' and 106°35' East longitude, Tien Hai district is geographically positioned with Kien Xuong district to the west, the Gulf of Tonkin to the east, Thai Thuy district to the north (marked by the Tra Ly River), and Nam Dinh province to the south (bounded by the Red River) The district boasts a coastline exceeding 23 kilometers and includes seven coastal communes.
Thai Binh province features predominantly flat terrain with a gentle slope of less than 1% and an average elevation of 1-2 meters above sea level The province generally slopes downward from north to south, though certain areas may exhibit variations in topography, such as low-lying or hilly regions that rise above the overall landscape.
The coastal morphology of Thai Binh province features low terrain, ranging from 0.5 to 3.0 meters, characterized by a shallow seabed primarily consisting of an underground delta with a slope not exceeding 30%, particularly in the Ba Lat estuary area This topography is conducive to the farming of clams, shrimp, and crabs Additionally, the presence of numerous estuaries and gentle terrain allows for inland saltwater penetration Within a 3 km coastal zone, the average depth is approximately 3-5 meters, creating an ideal environment for mangrove development (Thai Binh Environment and Natural Resource Department, 2017).
The district's topography is predominantly flat, sloping gradually from the Northeast to the Southwest, with elevations ranging from 0.6 to 1.0 meters above sea level Characterized as a coastal alluvial plain with numerous rivers and creeks, the area is well-suited for aquaculture, particularly shrimp farming However, the presence of many estuaries and the flat landscape allows saltwater to intrude further inland Notably, the current coastline has only been developed in the past 100 to 200 years.
The province experiences a tropical climate influenced by the monsoon, with hot and rainy summers from May to October, peaking in heavy rains and storms during July to September The dry cold season lasts from November to April, with average annual temperatures ranging from 23-24°C, and extremes between 4°C and 39°C The region enjoys 1600 to 1800 hours of sunshine annually and receives 1500mm to 1900mm of rainfall, with a maximum of 2528mm and a minimum of 1173mm Relative humidity averages between 80% and 90%, creating ideal conditions for the growth of tropical plants and high-value vegetables (Thai Binh Environment and Natural Resource Department, 2017).
The coastal region of Thai Binh province is characterized by five estuaries: Lan, Tra Ly, Ba Lat, Thai Binh, and Diem Ho This area features a dense river network with a density of 3.5 km/km², as the rivers flow predominantly in a northwest-southeast direction towards the sea Due to their gentle slopes and slow drainage, the large rivers often lead to local flooding and erosion of agricultural land outside the dikes during the rainy season (Thai Binh Environment and Natural Resource Department, 2017).
Tien Hai district features three significant river mouths: Tra Ly, Lan, and Ba Lat estuaries The Tra Ly estuary marks the point where the Tra Ly River meets the sea, while the Lan estuary is the outlet for the Kien Giang River, and the Ba Lat estuary is where the Red River flows into the ocean These rivers effectively divide the district into two equal parts, highlighting the area's unique geographical significance.
The waters of Thai Binh are significantly influenced by the tidal patterns of the Gulf of Tonkin, experiencing one low tide and one high tide daily Measurements from the Thai Binh, Dinh Cu, and Ba Lat stations indicate that the highest tide levels range between 1.4 to 2.93 meters, while the lowest levels fluctuate from approximately 1.0 to 1.08 meters Tidal water extends deeply into the fields along the main estuaries, reaching up to 37 km along the Red River and 28 km on the Thai Binh and Tra Ly rivers, as reported by the Thai Binh Environment and Natural Resource Department in 2017.
Thai Binh province faces significant challenges from natural disasters, particularly storms and tropical depressions originating from the South China Sea, which lead to heavy rainfall, flooding, and salinization that adversely affect local livelihoods and agriculture Between 2011 and 2017, the province was hit by 22 storms, notably Storm No 8 (Son Tinh) in 2012, which deviated from typical patterns by forming in late October and moving slowly with intense winds reaching levels 11 to 12 for approximately 7.5 hours This storm resulted in extreme rainfall and caused extensive damage to transportation, irrigation, and fisheries, severely impacting the region's infrastructure and resources (Thai Binh Environment and Natural Resource Department, 2017).
Waves in the Thai Binh sea area have a distinct season division: winter and summer
During winter, the wave regime in the Northern region, particularly in Thai Binh, is predominantly shaped by the Northeast monsoon, resulting in a prevailing wave direction from the northeast In coastal areas, waves typically approach from the northeast to the east, with common heights ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 meters Offshore, the waves maintain a northeast direction, averaging between 0.6 and 1.0 meters in height, with peaks reaching 4 to 5 meters In contrast, summer conditions, influenced by the southwest monsoon and coastal strip characteristics, lead to waves predominantly coming from the south and southeast (Thai Binh Environment and Natural Resource Department, 2017).
Thai Binh province, characterized by fertile alluvial soil from the Red and Thai Binh river systems, is highly conducive to agricultural development, boasting a diverse array of flora and fauna As of 2016, the province spans 158,635 hectares, with coastal districts Tien Hai and Thai Thuy covering 23,130 hectares and 26,844 hectares, respectively, accounting for 31.5% of the total area In these coastal districts, agricultural production land comprises 28.9%, specialized land 32.39%, and residential land 29.37% The tropical climate enhances the weathering process, leading to high humidity and groundwater levels that significantly boost soil fertility through the rapid decomposition of organic matter (Thai Binh Environment and Natural Resource Department, 2017).
Thai Binh province is endowed with abundant water resources, featuring four major rivers—Red River, Luoc River, Hoa River, and Tra Ly River—alongside 12 smaller rivers that collectively span 498 km The region benefits from significant surface runoff and annual rainfall, creating ideal conditions for utilizing surface water for both daily living and agricultural production Additionally, the groundwater reserves are substantial, supporting socio-economic development and enhancing the quality of life for residents Situated near the coast, Thai Binh also capitalizes on coastal seawater for aquaculture, further diversifying its water resource utilization (Thai Binh Environment and Natural Resource Department, 2017).
Thai Binh province boasts abundant and diverse aquatic resources, including fresh, brackish, and saltwater, situated in the productive Gulf of Tonkin fishing grounds With a marine reserve of approximately 50,000 tons, the region yields an average annual catch exceeding 10,000 tons of various shrimp and fish The province features 54 km of coastline and five major estuaries—Thai Binh, Diem Ho, Tra Ly, Cua Lan, and Ba Lat—along with extensive horizontal flats and vast territorial waters, creating ideal conditions for aquaculture development (Thai Binh Environment and Natural Resource Department, 2017).
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND METHODS
Methodological approach
A system can be understood as a collection of interacting parts that are viewed in the whole through the systems of structure, hierarchy and dynamics (H Nguyen & Vu,
A systematic approach is essential for understanding the interconnected relationships among policy institutions, ecosystems, and climate change within the livelihood and aqua-agriculture systems of the Nam Phu commune community This methodology enables the identification of obstacles and challenges, facilitating the development of the most effective interventions for sustainable development.
Figure 2.2 Logical framework of the study
The ecosystem-based approach is a comprehensive management strategy that focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources, including soil, water, and organisms This method has gained prominence in sustainable development and climate change initiatives, emphasizing the importance of human activities and resource utilization within ecosystem dynamics.
To exploit the benefits from ecosystem services, people made management choices or decisions (trade off) related to ecosystems, changing the function and role of services that the ecosystem provides
Integrated natural resource management is a strategic approach aimed at promoting conservation and sustainable use of resources This strategy seeks to ensure equitable access, enabling communities to adapt to adverse environmental impacts while also reaping benefits from changes in their surroundings.
In the framework of research, characteristics of mangrove-based aquaculture livelihoods of Tien Hai conservation area, Thai Binh Province are reviewed, researched, and evaluated
The interdisciplinary together with ecosystem-based approach is the main approach for research on sustainable development and climate change
Studying the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of rural communities requires a comprehensive approach that integrates economic, social, and environmental perspectives A narrow focus on a single field can lead to a distorted understanding of the issue To gain an objective and holistic view, it is essential to analyze various specialized data sources This multifaceted approach enables researchers to thoroughly assess the situation, leading to effective interventions that guide policymakers in making informed development decisions In this research, the author examines geographical, economic, and social characteristics to synthesize the challenges posed by climate change and the resilience of livelihoods in the coastal commune of Nam Phu, Tien Hai District, Thai Binh Province.
Combined top-down and bottom-up approach
The bottom-up approach focuses on observing and analyzing aquaculture systems to identify obstacles and develop effective interventions By incorporating the insights and perspectives of local communities, production techniques can be better absorbed and utilized The active participation of these communities is vital for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, contributing to resilient livelihoods in the face of climate change Combining community-based and top-down approaches through government policies and development strategies ensures that livelihood solutions are systematic, comprehensive, feasible, effective, and sustainable.
Research methods
Table 2.1 List of research methods
Identify Current status of land use; Livelihood activities in Nam Phu commune; Eco-shrimp farming model etc
Identify detailed and concrete information about production and community structure through informal conversations
Identify information on livelihoods (housing financial situation etc.) and the factors that influence them (affected proves by disasters etc.)
Identify the impact of climate change through household’s perception, aquaculture livelihood activities, indicators for the resilience assessment of the livelihood and effectiveness of current livelihood development policy
Identify research methods, study site and collect necessary data (climate data, climate change scenarios, socio-economic data, etc.)
Establishing and processing climate- resilient index
Assess the resilience of aquaculture livelihood to climate change
2.2.1 Data sources and data collection method
This research used two data sources: Secondary data and Primary data The study collected both qualitative and quantitative data to address the research questions
Firstly, secondary data were collected and synthesized by desk research through:
Research reports and studies on climate change resilience, particularly in the context of aquaculture and eco-shrimp farming, provide a theoretical framework for understanding the livelihoods affected by these factors This body of work, both internationally and nationally, informs the rationale for selecting the study site and facilitates meaningful comparisons within the research.
(2) Research works on methods of principles and framework to develop resilience indicator assessment and of assessing CC impacts Based on that, methodology and framework were basically constructed;
Data and documents concerning Tien Hai District and Nam Phu commune are primarily sourced from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), the Provincial People’s Committee, and the Board of Management of Tien Hai Nature Reserve.
Historical climate data, including temperature, rainfall, and extreme weather events, along with hydrological information for Tien Hai District, were primarily sourced from MCD & USAID (2016) and MONRE (2020) This data, which encompasses typhoon occurrences, salinity intrusion, flooding, and sea level rise in the Red River Delta, was utilized to assess and forecast climate change impacts in the study area.
The five-year socio-economic review of Tien Hai District and Nam Phu Commune (2015-2020) serves as a foundation for understanding the area's socio-economic conditions, environmental factors, and livelihood activities This analysis also informs the regional development strategy for Tien Hai District, taking into account climate and weather data, as well as climate change scenarios affecting the Red River Delta.
The Tien Hai Statistical Year Book 2019, along with the scientific project "Studying the Scientific and Practical Fundamentals, Procedure to Assess Ecosystem Quality in Coastal Areas Using Modern Technology for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection," provides crucial insights into the natural resource management of the Tien Hai nature reserve This research focuses on evaluating the area's natural and social characteristics, land uses, mangroves, and wetlands, while also promoting eco-shrimp farming models aimed at preserving the ecosystem.
In 2020, a comprehensive report on aquaculture in Tien Hai district highlighted the effects of climate change and the transformation of mangroves, while also outlining strategic plans for 2021 This analysis utilized documents related to the Tien Hai Natural Reserve and the Action Plan to address climate change in Thai Binh province, aiming for a vision towards 2020 The findings identified potential climate change impacts, assessed existing policies, and proposed suitable solutions to mitigate these challenges.
Secondly, primary data were collected by sociological research methods: observation, in-depth interview and household survey
Nam Phu commune has been selected as the study site due to its unique geographical characteristics, regional development challenges, and the impact of Covid-19 on research implementation This area is notably affected by climate change and is recognized for its aquaculture activities and innovative eco-shrimp farming model.
Photos reveal the significance of mangrove forests for shrimp farming and local livelihoods, highlighting the essential resources they provide, such as housing and infrastructure Additionally, the activities of target groups reliant on these natural resources within the Nature Reserve and surrounding areas affected by climate change and disasters are documented.
The in-depth interview with the board of management for Tien Hai Nature Reserve covers several key topics: the current land use status, livelihood activities in Nam Phu commune, and the eco-shrimp farming model It also addresses local natural disasters and the impact of climate change, highlighting recent changes in Tien Hai due to these factors Additionally, the interview explores participation in disaster training programs and offers recommendations for the preservation of Tien Hai Nature Reserve.
Face-to-face and telephone interviews utilized open-ended questions to explore stakeholders' knowledge, insights, perspectives, and experiences regarding the impacts of climate change and natural disasters The discussions also assessed the effectiveness and limitations of existing adaptation and mitigation regulations.
The household survey was crafted to align with the research objectives and resilience assessment indicators, incorporating insights from interviews with the Board of Management for Tien Hai Nature Reserve This survey aimed to gather information and feedback from residents regarding their aquaculture livelihood activities, the impacts of climate change, and the effectiveness of applied policies All respondents received similar questionnaires to ensure the collection of relevant data for comprehensive analysis.
The household survey utilized a structured questionnaire with close-ended questions, developed through careful preparation and review of quantitative research questions Collaboration with the Board of Management for Tien Hai Nature Conservation during site visits and discussions facilitated the refinement of the survey outline and the identification of sampling groups This research specifically targeted aquaculture livelihoods and assessed their resilience.
Survey respondents only reflect for the representative of the population of the study site The author selected sample (household) based on the principles of statistical calculation and Slovin’s formula
Sample size is calculated based on Slovin’s formula:
N = total number of aquaculture households in the area; e = design margin of error (e = 5%)
- It is expected to directly interview residents participating in aquaculture livelihoods in Nam Phu commune;
- To ensure the data were representative, the author mainly adopted stratified non-probability random sampling to determine the samples
Table 2.2 Number of interviewed households
Location Number of interviewed households
Source: According to in-depth interview with Board of Management in Tien Hai
Nam Phu commune, home to 4,510 residents, hosts 125 aquaculture households primarily engaged in intensive and eco-shrimp farming A total of 100 individuals were interviewed for the study, with 22% (22 samples) representing intensive farming households and 78% (78 samples) from eco-shrimp farming households The farmers were selected randomly for the interviews, and a summary of the survey questionnaires is provided in Table 2.2.
Face-to-face interviews were conducted at residents' homes, each lasting approximately 30 minutes The household interviews comprised five key sections aligned with the four components of climate-resilient livelihoods: livelihood capital, learning capacity, disaster reduction capacity, and self-organization capacity, along with an additional section addressing climate change impacts For further details, refer to Appendix A for the comprehensive questionnaire.
Five households were selected for in-depth interviews focused on their production activities, providing valuable detailed data for this research All interview content was recorded to serve as evidence for the study.
2.2.2 Establishing a set of livelihood resilience indicators
Rationale of establishing livelihood resilience indicators