Impacts of climate change and adaptation strategy selection under constrained conditions in Ben Tre province

Abstract

Ben Tre is among Vietnam’s 10 most vulnerable provinces to climate change. Thus, in this study we investigated impacts of sea level rise, salt water intrusion, typhoon and erosion on three coastal communes in Ben Tre and corresponding adaptations. Three focus group discussions were conducted to identify impacts of climatic events and vulnerable sectors. The household survey of 300 respondents followed to foment impacts, adaptations, awareness and preparedness of climate change. Cost-effectiveness analysis was performed to evaluate the sea dike and the irrigating system. Findings showed sea level rise is the most worrying which jeopardizes agriculture and aquaculture and forces households’ relocation. Salt water intrusion has immensely hindered agriculture and aquaculture and troubled households’ everyday routines. Losses from the most recent intrusion were USD 77,151. Typhoon Durian, despite of ephemeral presence, resulted in USD 154,155 loss. Erosion appeared to be least serious. Losses from the most recent erosion were USD 77,151. Regarding adaptations, households primarily performed simple actions which reflect financial and technical shortages. The survey revealed that 98% of respondents have no or little knowledge on climate change and 65% have made no preparations. CE ratios indicated that the irrigating system is more cost effective than the sea dike.