Assessing local vulnerability to climate change by using Livelihood Vulnerability Index: Case study in Pahang region, Malaysia

Abstract

The aim of this research is to test the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) in order to estimate climate change vulnerability to communities in Pahang. It will focus in particularly on two areas that are severely impacted by flooding namely Pekan and Temerloh. The data sample is taken from a survey of 402 households and it is based on their socio-demographics, livelihoods, social network, knowledge and skill, health, food, water security, housing, land, finances and income. This approach estimates vulnerabilities in term of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. While Pekan is more vulnerable in terms of social network, knowledge and skill but less adaptive in capacity to cope with climate and in contrast, Temerloh is the most vulnerable to natural disaster and climate variability, and sensitivity in term of health, food, finance and income and livelihood strategy. The research finding will allow a better planning of resources in terms of assistance in areas with limited support, enhanced evaluation for potential programs or current policy effectiveness, and provide access to reliable data by incorporating scenarios into the LVI model as a baseline comparison for future design management.