We are proud to share that Dung Le of the Sociology of Development and Change Group will be defending her PhD thesis titled “Rising salinity, growing concerns: Climate change adaptation and human security in the Mekong Delta”.
When: October 13, at 15:30 PM
Where: Omnia, Wageningen University
Abstract
This thesis investigates the varied impacts of climate change and adaptation strategies on rural livelihoods and social dynamics in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. The Mekong Delta is a highly important agricultural region of Vietnam, but it is also facing increasing threats from climate-induced salinity intrusion, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation. The research asks: how climate change and adaptation measures influence livelihoods and social relations in vulnerable rural communities, and how applying a human security framework can deepen understanding of these impacts?
The study employs and integrates panel data analysis, lab-in-the-field experiments, qualitative interviews, and the development of a Rural Human Security Index (RHSI). The results show that different adaptation strategies, including planting date compliance, salt-tolerant rice varieties, salinity barrier infrastructure, alternative land use, and migration, have varied and sometimes unintended effects on farm productivity and social relations. While adaptation efforts can improve productivity and farmers’ livelihoods, they may also generate more social tensions due to uneven impacts on different groups. Lab-in-the-field experiments suggest that unequal decision-making power and high opportunity costs are linked to increased destructive behaviors among farmers. In addition, the study also applies the human security analysis that offers a more holistic approach to uncovering the multifaceted and connected climate vulnerabilities spanning economic, food, environmental, health, personal, community, and political dimensions. Climate adaptation is crucial to address these issues; however, some evidence suggests human security risks might be associated with climate adaptation strategies.
The thesis emphasizes that effective climate adaptation involves not only technical solutions but also a deeper understanding of human behaviors, social relationships, and the underlying structures that shape adaptive capacity and social stability. By recognizing these interdependencies, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers can develop more holistic and sustainable adaptation strategies to improve the resilience, security, and well-being of vulnerable populations now and in the future.
Centre for Space, Place and Society 