Divergent Perspectives on Ecosystem-Based Adaptation: A Comparative Analysis of Government Officials and Farmers in Mountainous Communes of Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam

Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) has been widely recognized as the key strategy for supporting farmers in adapting to climate change. The success of EbA requires a cohesive alignment from the national level to community implementation. However, harmonized efforts from central governments to local farmers remain underexplored in the literature on climate change and adaptation, especially in the context of mountainous areas of Vietnam. This study applied multiple qualitative research methods, including 12 key informant interviews, six focus group discussions, and 18 in-depth interviews to explore the varying perspectives of EbA between government officials and farmers, and how these perspectives influence their involvement in governmental initiatives. Using matrix coding visualization in NVIVO, this study revealed notable differences in perceptions of EbA between government officials and farmers, which in turn impact EbA practices at the commune level. This study also found factors affecting EbA practices, including knowledge, economic priorities, institutional support, labor shortages, limited market access, and funding inadequacies. The policy implications drawn from this study are necessary for bridging top-down policy with local realities, to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of EbA. Furthermore, this paper contributes to the EbA literature by highlighting the need for context-specific adaptation strategies to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of EbA practices in vulnerable communities.