Determinants of livelihood vulnerability of smallholder tea farmers in Lam Dong province, Vietnam

Abstract This study constructed and evaluated the livelihood vulnerability index of small scale tea farming households in Lam Dong Province. It then determined factors that can increase or reduce their vulnerability. The to stresses weather, climate, production linkages, product consumption was viewed as a function exposure, sensitivity, adaptive capacity. results showed most had very high exposure indices changes natural conditions, showing activities depended immensely on nature. sensitivity pressures livelihoods, consumption, damages from climate variability moderate. Tea province relatively low capacity indices. composite calculated provided an average 0.56. moderately vulnerable group comprised 71 (equal 26.3% sample), highly 198 (73.3%), extremely one household (0.4%). regression model revealed risk-dependent livelihood, poverty, receiving support acquaintances local government could worsen vulnerability, while training experience help lessen it.