Climate change adaptation in disaster-prone communities in Cambodia and Fiji

Neef, Andreas and Boruff, Bryan and Bruce, Eleanor and Ngin, Chanrith and Pauli, Natasha and Davies, K.P. and van Ogtrop, Floris and Varea, Renata and Weber, Eberhard (2020) Climate change adaptation in disaster-prone communities in Cambodia and Fiji. APN Science Bulletin, 10 (1). pp. 67-75. ISSN 2185-761X

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Abstract

This article examines how rural communities living in flood-prone river basins of Cambodia and Fiji have responded to increasing variability of floods and other natural hazards under the influence of climate change and other risk factors. Particular emphasis is placed on risk perceptions and adaptive strategies of households and communities with regard to regular and catastrophic floods and how the livelihoods of vulnerable groups are affected by floods and other climate-induced disasters. Our research approach integrates the food, water and energy security nexus with the rural livelihood framework. The study aims at identifying the spatial extent and dynamics of flood events and determining the factors that enhance adaptive capacities of flood-affected communities and households. Our study finds that access to resources as well as local socio-cultural contexts are important determinants of coping and adaptation practices at the community and household level in the two countries. Findings also suggest that research participants had a profound understanding of flood flows, extent and impacts that complements knowledge gained from hydrological and remote sensing methods. We conclude that blending local and scientific knowledge is a promising approach to enhancing adaptive capacity and resilience.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > DU Oceania (South Seas) G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GF Human ecology. Anthropogeography H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > School of Geography, Earth Science and Environment
Depositing User:	Eberhard Weber
Date Deposited:	13 Jan 2021 01:25
Last Modified:	13 Jan 2021 01:25
URI:	http://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/12459

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