Livelihood conditions of ethnic minority households in the context of climate change in Thanh Hoa province

Abstract

This paper examines the current livelihood conditions of ethnic minority households
in the mountainous areas of Thanh Hoa Province under the impacts of climate change.
Applying the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, it systematizes and clarifies key
livelihood components, including the characteristics of different livelihood capitals
(natural, human, physical, financial, and social), the effects of climate change, existing
adaptive capacities, and the effectiveness of current support policies. Analysis of
secondary data indicates that the livelihoods of ethnic minority communities, which are
inherently heavily dependent on natural resources, are facing severe challenges such
as land degradation, water scarcity, and decline in agricultural productivity. While
households have adopted spontaneous adaptation strategies, their coping capacities
remain constrained by limitations in capital, knowledge, and access to information. The study also highlights shortcomings in current policy interventions and proposes a set
of integrated solutions to diversifying livelihoods, strengthening community adaptive
capacity, and improving policy mechanisms, thereby contributing to sustainable
livelihood development for ethnic minority groups in the new context