Utilizing indigenous knowledge in flood disaster adaptation in Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam

Floods have increasingly become a pressing threat in the mountainous and midland regions of Vietnam, especially in Thai Nguyen province. This study explores the role of indigenous knowledge (IK) as a practical and culturally rooted resource in community-based flood disaster adaptation. Based on field surveys in six flood-prone communes, combined with literature review and GIS mapping, the research identifies and assesses local practices in flood forecasting, housing, agriculture, and emergency response. Results reveal that IK not only enhances local resilience but also complements scientific approaches when integrated systematically. However, challenges remain due to cultural erosion, urbanization, and lack of policy support. The study recommends a multi-stakeholder integration framework combining IK and modern science for sustainable disaster risk management in upland Vietnam.