Seasonal livelihoods and adaptation strategies for an uncertain environmental future: Results from participatory research in Kratie Province, Cambodia

Savuti Henningsen, Natasha Pauli, Chanchhaya Chhom

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference paperChapterpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)
152 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The effects of environmental change are becoming more noticeable in the Lower
Mekong Basin, where there is growing pressure on the agriculture-based livelihoods of communities living along the mainstream of the Mekong River. This chapter presents an investigation of temporal seasonal variability in four communities of Kratie Province, Cambodia, including identification of locally developed strategies to adapt to temporal changes in weather patterns. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining historical hydrometeorological data with participatory seasonal calendars and daily routine diaries. Seasonal calendars were compiled from nine workshops across four villages in Kratie Province, and daily diaries were collected from seven individuals across three villages. The results indicate that patterns in rainfall, flooding and drought have become more variable due to the impacts of environmental change; a phenomenon that will likely continue into the future. Without effective, locally appropriate adaptation measures, changing weather patterns will likely continue to have adverse impacts on communities in the region due to their reliance on reliable seasonal rainfall and flooding events for crop cultivation. Households and communities in the study region have already developed a number of approaches to mitigate the adverse impacts of environmental change. This research also reiterated the importance of incorporating both local knowledge and scientific data to gain the most accurate understanding of the impacts of environmental change in a given region.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationClimate-Induced Disasters in the Asia-Pacific Region
Subtitle of host publicationResponse, Recovery, Adaptation
EditorsAndreas Neef, Natasha Pauli
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
PublisherEmerald Group Publishing Limited
Chapter7
Pages135-165
Number of pages31
Volume22
ISBN (Electronic)9781839099885
ISBN (Print)9781839099878
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 9 Nov 2020

Publication series

NameCommunity, Environment and Disaster Risk Management
Volume22
ISSN (Print)2040-7262
ISSN (Electronic)2040-7270

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