Transforming Ethnic Minority Livelihoods: Strategies for Climate Resilience in the Mekong Delta

Abstract

Climate change has threatened the livelihoods and socio-economic sustainability of the Khmer ethnic minority group in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta (MD) through saltwater intrusion, drought, land subsidence, and reduced agricultural productivity. Because of the community's reliance on climate-sensitive livelihood activities and weak adaptive capacities, transforming livelihood practices to be more sustainable is necessary to promote resilience and sustainable development in the region. This paper explores the relationship between sustainable livelihood transformation and climate change adaptation among Khmer ethnic communities in the MD, using a qualitative literature review and document analysis of government reports, policies, statistical data, and prior studies. Results show that while state policies and development projects have contributed to infrastructure development, poverty reduction, and access to social services, the livelihoods of Khmer communities remain vulnerable due to chronic poverty, limited productive assets, occupational specialization, and dependence on traditional agriculture. The research identifies the significance of social capital, indigenous knowledge systems, and community-based adaptive livelihood models in building resilience. The research advocates an approach that includes climate-smart agricultural production, livelihood diversification, and skills training programs, tourism, and increased social protection to help build sustainable livelihoods among Khmer ethnic minority communities.