IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ADAPTATION OF ETHNIC MINORITY COMMUNITIES IN THE MOUNTAINOUS COMMUNES OF A LUOI DISTRICT, HUE CITY

Abstract

Climate change poses a major global challenge due to its far-reaching impacts. This study provides locally grounded evidence to elucidate how climate change influences the livelihoods of ethnic minority communities and to assess their adaptive situation. A mixed-methods approach was employed to collect and analyze secondary data from the Hydrometeorological Station and commune statistics, complemented by in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and a household survey of 173 respondents in A Roang and Hong Ha communes. The key findings are are highlighted: ((1) Ethnic minorities in the mountainous communes of A Luoi district, Hue city, rely primarily on forestry and agricultural production for their livelihoods; (2) Natural disaster risks affect local livelihoods through direct, indirect and long-term mechanisms; (3) Beyond immediate coping measures, ethnic minority have begun to adjust their livelihood strategies in response to climate change. These adaptive shifts fall into three categories: land use change, occupations and farming methods; (4) To enhance the adaptive capacity of ethnic minority communities, long-term measures should be implemented in alignment with existing programs and policies.