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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD) - Call for papers!

Impacts of Flash Flood on Farmers' Livelihood in Upland Areas: A Case Study of Rice Production in Nathen Village, Kasi District, Vientiane Province, Lao PDR

(Lao PDR), Master of Science in Rural Development Management (Khon Kaen University)

Thesis Abstract:

This research aims to fulfill four main objectives: (1) understand the natural characteristics of flash floods, (2) study the impacts of flash floods on the livelihood of rice production farmers, (3) identify coping strategies of the farmers against flash floods in relation to gender roles, and (4) formulate guidelines on how to mitigate the impact of flash floods on farmers' agricultural livelihood.

Nathen village is located in Kasi district in the northern part of Vientiane province in Lao PDR. This is a case study where quantitative and qualitative approaches were applied. A household interview questionnaire was administered to 40 flood-affected household members. Fifteen household members were selected for an in-depth interview; some key informants including relevant government agencies, chief of the village and development organizations (NGOs) were also interviewed. Furthermore, two focus group discussions were conducted with 10 respondents, including the head of the village, a committee on disaster prevention and control of the village, an NGO staff, a local government official, the head of youth union, the head of women union, and four villagers. The findings indicated that many household members, both men and women, have experienced heavy flash floods, which were caused by the overflowing of the Lik River due to the unusual heavy rains and storms. The flash floods affected the agricultural production areas like rice and other crops, including livestock, household assets, health care facilities, and other belongings. When faced with flash floods, both men and women played various important roles as coping strategies, which could be classified as risk reduction, risk mitigation, or risk coping strategies. The local communities were given the power and responsibility to decide and choose an appropriate flash flood risk management strategy such as distribution of in-kind support.