Small-scale hydropower dams development: Pros and cons from impacts on locals' livelihoods in Vietnam, Lao and Cambodia

Whether to develop small-scale hydroelectric dams is an enduring and complex question with multifaceted implications. This study aims to provide scientific insights by evaluating the impacts of hydroelectric development on local livelihoods and related assets, contributing to the formulation of cohesive strategies for collaborative efforts in hydroelectric development and water resource management within the Mekong region countries. The research was conducted in three countries on the Indochina Peninsula, namely, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, with a sample size of 611 households, comprising 220 from Vietnam, 200 from Laos, and 241 from Cambodia. The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining elements of Sustainable Livelihood Analysis Framework (DFID, 2002) and impact evaluation of a policy/project intervention developed by authors. Through in-depth research, several key findings were identified: hydroelectric development resulted in the loss of forest, agricultural land, thus leading to impacts on livelihoods of households living in both upstream and downstream of rivers. The rapid development of small-scale hydropower dams has stole important livelihood practices of households, such as wet rice production, livestock raising and production forest. Affected households had adopted new livelilhood practices, such as work migration; self-services. Vietnamese households demonstrated higher adaptability to the challenges posed by small scale hydroelectric development compared to the other two countries. The livelihoods most impacted were predominantly linked to natural resource-based practices. However, the study also revealed limitations, such as lack of in-depth economic, social, and environmental quantifications, highlighting the need for more comprehensive and specific research in this field.