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Trees and agroforestry for coping with extreme weather events: experiences from northern and central Viet Nam

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Abstract

Although tree-based farming systems are often assumed to be “resilient” or “climate-smart” options, adoption is limited. It could be that the sensitivity of individual tree species to extreme weather events is poorly documented or new systems include unfamiliar species and technologies. This paper reports on initial results of an evaluation of farmers’ experiences with trees and crops for responding to major climatic exposures in 21 villages in northern and north-central Viet Nam. Our study assessed the suitability and roles of trees by analyzing data gathered through focus group discussions, workshops and a survey of 661 households. The results showed that a majority of households were exposed annually to what they perceived as natural hazards. Experiences with using trees for coping and adaptation depended on household income status, awareness and policies. In particular, farms with trees had shorter recovery time after most types of natural disasters, except for cold spells, demonstrating economic and environmental buffers. Many leaders were unfamiliar with agroforestry and mainly looking for economies of scale, hence oriented to land use rather than landscape planning. This indicates disconnects between farmers’ needs and policymakers’ priorities with respect to climate change adaptation strategies. Existing agroforestry systems reflected a transition from indigenous or current farming systems via changing to either new species or technologies rather than changing both at the same time. Gaps in current adaptation strategies and key areas for policy and research interventions are finally discussed.

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Notes

  1. The number of respondents varies because not all households compared the same years, and not all households answered all questions.

  2. This was also evident through the FAO-EPIC Scenario Workshops organised in 2013–2014, see e.g. http://www.fao.org/fsnforum/forum/discussions/epic-vietnam.

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Acknowledgments

The project was funded through the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Research Programmes on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS, CRP 7.1) and Forest, Trees and Agriculture (FTA, CRP 6.4). We are grateful for the feedback and support from Ha Tinh Farmers’ Association in Ha Tinh province, Ky Anh district and Ky Son commune, planners from People’s Committee, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Planning and Investment in Ky Anh district and Ky Son commune, Luc Yen district and Lam Thuong commune and farmers in 21 villagers whose energy is so contagious. In particular we appreciate the local coordination and comments from Hoa Dinh Le and Dai Viet Le. We received valuable feedback from Tan Van Pham, Chinh Duc Phung and Miguel Coulier. We thank Phuong Mai Nguyen for producing the map. Lastly, we appreciate comments from the editor that have improved the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), 17A Nguyen Khang, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam

    Elisabeth Simelton, Bac Viet Dam & Delia Catacutan

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  1. Elisabeth Simelton
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  2. Bac Viet Dam
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  3. Delia Catacutan
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Correspondence to Elisabeth Simelton.

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Simelton, E., Dam, B.V. & Catacutan, D. Trees and agroforestry for coping with extreme weather events: experiences from northern and central Viet Nam. Agroforest Syst 89, 1065–1082 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-015-9835-5

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