Socio-hydrological approach for farmer adaptability to hydrological changes

a case study in salinity-controlled areas of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

Journal article (2022)

Authors

Luan Dang Manh Hong Pham Vietnam National University
J.D. Patiño Guerra Policy Analysis - TPM
Hong Quan Nguyen Vietnam National University
D. Korbee Hochschule Pforzheim, Policy Analysis - TPM
Duc Dung Tran Vietnam National University
Loc Huu Ho AIT Asian Institute of Technology
Quang Hung Do University of Transport Technology
Tang Luu Vietnam National University
Timothy Gorman Montclair State University
L.M. Hermans IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Policy Analysis - TPM
Research Group
Policy Analysis (TPM) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2022 Luan Dang Manh Hong Pham, J.D. Patiño Guerra, Hong Quan Nguyen, D. Korbee, Duc Dung Tran, Loc Huu Ho, Quang Hung Do, Tang Luu, Timothy Gorman, L.M. Hermans
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2022.2030865
Socio-hydrology Vietnamese Mekong Delta Hydrological dynamics Motivation and Ability (MOTA) framework Salinity-control measures
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Published Date

2022

Language

English

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Faculty

Technology, Policy and Management

Department

Multi Actor Systems

Research Group

Policy Analysis

Abstract

The Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) is an example of a complex dynamic socio-hydrological system in which societies and hydrology interact and co-evolve. The dominant engineering approach in the VMD has enhanced the dynamics of society and hydrology. This study looks at the implications of socio-hydrological dynamics in the coastal VMD where saline water is controlled by various infrastructures. In the first phase, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used to explore socio-hydrological dynamics in the study area. The results show divergence in livelihood strategies inside the freshwater-projected area, shaping a heterogeneous agricultural landscape of fresh- and brackish-water livelihoods manifested by four socio-hydrological groups. Next, the Motivation and Ability (MOTA) framework and household surveys were used to assess the adaptability in the agricultural development pathway advocated by the freshwater policy. The result revealed differentiations among these socio-hydrological groups. The findings suggest other practices may be required to help the area navigate towards future adaptations to socio-hydrological changes.