GIS-based livelihood vulnerability index mapping of the socioeconomy of the Pekan community

Abstract

Monsoon floods that annually hit the east coast of Malaysia have brought a variety of implications, especially for those who inhabit the most vulnerable areas. This study aims to find the relationship between the socioeconomy of the community living and flood events in the district of Pekan, Pahang. This involved geographic analyses which combined data on vulnerability index components represented by Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping. A field survey was conducted to assess the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI), comprising major and sub-components of vulnerability for ten sub-districts in Pekan. LVI mapping was performed for every major component of the LVI with spatial data on the district. Households in the Gancung sub-district were found to be more vulnerable to flooding impact, with a high exposure index (0.59), but reported a positive vulnerability based on adaptive capacity (0.06). Penyur (0.51) was the most vulnerable and sensitive in terms of food security during the flood season. LVI assessment in the Pekan district could be used as an indicator to change livelihoods, survival food storage practices, and other preventive measures in order to curb damages and injuries when annual flooding strikes in the future.