Factors influencing farming households’ climate change adaptation strategies in Central Vietnam

PLOS One | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0328058 July 10, 2025 10 / 22 were also examined, particularly in terms of access to agricultural extension services and weather-related information. The findings indicated that 78.21% of households had access to agricultural extension services, while 81.34% reported receiving information on weather and climate conditions. These institutional supports are considered crucial for enhancing farmers’ capacity to anticipate and respond to climatic variability and extreme events. 3.2 Livelihood vulnerability to climate change and adaptation strategies by households The present study investigated the level of awareness and the types of adaptation strategies adopted by farming house- holds in response to disasters induced by climate change in the local context of Quang Binh province. A key focus was placed on understanding how communities perceive climatic changes and how this perception informs their coping and adaptive behaviors. The findings reveal that a substantial majority—approximately 85.23% of surveyed households— demonstrated an awareness of the ongoing manifestations of climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events occurring in their locality. This high rate of awareness suggests that climate change and its impacts have become observable and tangible realities for the local population. Households reported that the most commonly experienced climate-related hazards in the past five years include floods,

tropical storms, saltwater intrusion, and drought. These hazards have not only occurred with increasing frequency but also with greater intensity and duration, posing heightened threats to agricultural livelihoods. When asked to compare the fre- quency of such disasters to previous years (with 2018 serving as a reference point), 51.9% of respondents perceived that droughts had become more frequent, followed by 42.2% who observed an increase in flooding, and 31.3% who reported a rise in saltwater intrusion. Interestingly, although only 36.6% of respondents noted an increase in storm frequency, 63.4% believed that the frequency of storms had decreased. Nonetheless, the majority emphasized that the intensity of individ- ual storms has significantly escalated. For example, the storm Wutip, which struck in October 2018, was cited by multiple respondents as particularly destructive, underscoring the need to assess not only the occurrence but also the severity of climatic hazards (Table 3). Respondents further identified the temporal patterns of specific climate-induced disasters. Flooding is typically observed from August to October and may extend into November, often associated with the typhoon season. In contrast, droughts and saltwater intrusion are most prevalent between April and July, with the peak intensity occurring between April and June. During this period, the lack of rainfall combined with high temperatures and salinity intrusion severely undermines rice production—the primary livelihood activity in the area. Interviewees consistently reported that saltwater

intrusion, when combined with drought, causes substantial losses in rice yields, particularly in low-lying paddy fields with poor irrigation infrastructure. These conditions significantly disrupt planting calendars, reduce agricultural productivity, and increase the risk of long-term livelihood insecurity. The seasonal concurrence of storm-induced flooding and drought- related phenomena places significant pressure on the already limited adaptive capacity of local communities. In the months of August through November, storms often result in flash floods, damaged irrigation systems, and waterlogging of crops. Conversely, during the dry season from April to July, extended dry spells and salinity intrusion compromise water Table 3. Perception of types of accidents occur every month of the year. Unit: % Month 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Salinization 2.1 3.2 2.3 15.8 20.2 25.5 10.3 5.1 8.1 7.4 8.3 2.1 Drought 0 0 0.8 26.2 66.1 88.3 54.4 6.3 0 0 0 0 Flooding 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.12 43.1 93.2 72.6 14.1 0.8 Storm 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20.5 86.4 80.7 56.5 1.2 Source: Study results (2024). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0328058.t003