Socio-hydrological approach for farmer adaptability to hydrological changes
a case study in salinity-controlled areas of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta
Luan Dang Manh Hong Pham (Vietnam National University)
Juan David Patiño Guerra (TU Delft - Policy Analysis)
Hong Quan Nguyen (Vietnam National University)
Dorien Korbee (Hochschule Pforzheim, TU Delft - Policy Analysis)
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)
Leon Hermans (TU Delft - Policy Analysis, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education)
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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.