Towards Inclusive Resilience: Understanding the Intersectionality of Gender, Ethnicity, and Livelihoods in Climate-prone Upland Areas of Central Vietnam

Abstract

Traditional studies have predominantly focused on assessing the vulnerability of agricultural communities to climate change impacts, neglecting the examination of their resilience in relation to gender, social status, and ethnicity. This study aims to fill these gaps by employing the Livelihood Subjective Resilience (LSR) framework to measure household resilience and conducting a comprehensive analysis of the intersectionality across these dimensions. The research focuses on a sample of 188 ethnic minority households (94 Tà Ôi and 94 Pa Cô) in upland regions of Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. Findings reveal significant variations in resilience among these groups, particularly with lower LSR scores observed among women and the poor. Notably, poor women from Pa Cô ethnic households exhibit the most fragile resilience compared to other segments of society. This disparity is influenced by multifaceted ingredients including limited financial resources, restricted asset portfolios, patriarchal social norms, and psychological issues. The study thus emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to enhance the roles and rights of marginalized groups, particularly in terms of equitable access to resources like land tenure. Addressing poverty and inequality should be the most priority for achieving economic rural development, disaster preparedness, and resilience capacity building. The study highlights the importance of tailored training programs and non-refundable livelihood support to improve overall well-being and uplift disadvantaged groups. By combining these initiatives, a more inclusive approach to climate change resilience can be fostered, ensuring that no one is left behind.