The studies took a sustainable livelihoods approach. The main methodology used was participatory rural appraisal (PRA) which allows local people in poor communities to take a central role in reporting how the climate has been changing, its differences compared to previously, identifying how this is impacting on their livelihoods, and what their existing solutions and coping strategies are. Government authorities and representatives of mass organizations at the provincial, district and commune level were also consulted throughout the process.

A wide range of changes in the weather and the climate in recent years was reported including worsening water shortages, higher and more unpredictable temperatures, and more frequent extremely heavy rainfall that results in landslides and soil erosion. The research teams found that local people are already attempting to make changes to cope with these impacts. However, there are significant gaps in their knowledge and capacity to adapt in the long-term. Some of their coping strategies even have the potential to increase their vulnerability, for example many farmers are increasing their use of pesticides in an effort to combat rising levels of disease in their crops. This is damaging their health, as well as the environment and crop productivity.

Photo by SRD

An important aspect of this study was its recognition that climate change impacts cannot be analysed in a vacuum, without reference to the many other challenges faced by farmers. The research teams focused on three other important factors for sustainable livelihoods: land management; irrigation, clean water and sanitation. A value chain approach was employed to analyse key local products. There was found to be a close correlation between farmers' resilience to the impacts of climate change and their access to land, water and markets.

SRD's next steps in following up these climate change studies include developing and implementing pilot activities in particularly vulnerable areas. Lessons learned from these pilot activities can then be expanded to support other poor rural communities who are struggling in the face of climate change to maintain sustainable livelihoods.