Forms and Factors Affecting Collective Adaptation: A Case Study of Saline Intrusion in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

Abstract

"Saline intrusion (SI) is a problem causing serious risks for agriculture and livelihoods in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD). Building effective adaptation is an issue concerned by both the Vietnamese government and farmers. Successful adaptation to environmental change is connected with social groups’ ability to act collectively that is evident. Using ecological and social approach, this research explores forms and factors affecting collective adaptation (CA) in case of SI in this Delta. Our findings show that CA has existed and influenced by changes of environmental conditions and development process. CA in forms of coordination of activities and information sharing is found in case of SI. Farmers apply the same farming system to manage water resource and to reduce water use conflict. CA is influenced by both internal and external factors. Water resource available, farmers’ active characteristic and neighbour relations are enabling factors for farmers to cooperate. The integration between the Governmental intervention and households’ situation also helps CA to act well. Uncertain climate change, small farm size and lacking of technique are constraining factors which prevent some farmers to take part into group actions. Because SI will be more serious and uncertain, land use policy is needed on time. Households’ relationships and ecological situations should be fully taken into account for policy decision to build CA for better adaptation in case of SI."