Assessing the adaptive capacity of farmers under the impact of saltwater intrusion in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

Saltwater intrusion is one of the main problems in the coastal provinces in the Mekong Delta (including the Tra Vinh province), and it is becoming more severe with climate change and rising sea levels. In the face of this problem, a strategic plan has been developed for the Vietnamese Mekong Delta that suggests adapting to increasing salinity levels. However, the farmers' capacity to implement the changes is unclear. The objective of this study was to assess farmers' adaptive capacities towards saline intrusion in the Tra Vinh province in order to provide appropriate adaptation options, using the MOTA (Motivation-Ability) approach. This study surveyed 187 farmers regarding their perception, motivation, and ability in different saline environments in the study area, including three regions: seawater areas (region 1), brackish water areas (region 2), and freshwater areas (region 3). The results showed that farmers have quite high perceptions of salinity intrusion, especially farmers who live in areas affected by it. Regarding the level of saltwater intrusion, the farmers' motivation in all three regions had a negative score, which indicates their motivation for adapting to increased salinity was quite low. Additionally, the farmers' adaptive capacities in all three regions were moderate, with lowest capacities in educational level and rate of participation in non-agricultural organizations. The study results may be useful for managers and policy-makers in proposing appropriate and feasible options for implementing an adaptation plan to ensure sustainable livelihoods for local farmers.