The Role Of Household Capital Sources In Climate Change Adaptation In The Central Highlands Of Vietnam: Evidence From Gia Lai Province

Abstract

Climate change is causing severe and increasingly unpredictable impacts on the livelihoods of residents in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. This study evaluates the role of household capital sources in adapting to climate change, based on empirical evidence from Gia Lai province. By integrating quantitative and qualitative methods, the authors conducted a structured survey of 200 households in Bau Can commune, Gia Lai province, during 2025–2026. The analysis used the sustainable livelihoods framework, which encompasses five core types of capital: human, social, natural, physical, and financial. The findings indicate that climate change has significantly disrupted household capital, thereby increasing livelihood vulnerability. Specifically, extreme weather events have caused work interruptions, job losses, and adverse health impacts. Landslides, water shortages, property damage, and the loss of business assets have severely affected natural and physical capital. Financially, unpredictable weather has caused agricultural diseases, reduced crop yields, and declining incomes. However, social capital has proven crucial, with residents actively participating in associations and maintaining mutual community support networks to cope with disasters. The study concludes that households with diversified livelihood strategies and better access to resources demonstrate higher resilience to climate shocks. Therefore, to ensure effective adaptation, policies must prioritize improving access to education, vocational training, financial credit, and strengthening community-based support networks. These measures will help households sustain their livelihoods and preserve ecological integrity.