Investigating the resilience of natural resources-based livelihoods to natural disasters : case study of cyclone Nargis affected area, Myanmar | |
| Author | Nyi Nyi Soe |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.NR-09-13 |
| Subject(s) | Natural resources--Myanmar Resource-based communities--Myanmar Cyclone Nargis, 2008 |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Natural Resource Management, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. NR-09-13 |
| Abstract | This study focuses on the resilience of natural resources-based livelihoods to natural disasters. It is based upon a primary survey of 113 households of three villages which have been severely affected by cyclone Nargis. It identifies five categories of livelihood systems, respectively farming mostly, fishing mostly, mixed farming and fishing mostly, diversified with off-farm source of income and off-farm source of income mostly. Ayeyarwaddy Division is the most severely affected area by cyclone Nargis in 2nd and 3rd of May 2008. Since it was the first time that such an intense 200 km/h storm is known to have hit the delta, massive damages and very high death toll was recorded. It is found that cyclone Nargis affected all types of livelihoods in the affected area. Among these, livelihood capitals of people earning mixed and diversified livelihoods have been more affected than that of people with specialized livelihoods. In this research, livelihood capitals are distinguished into six categories; physical capital, production potential capital, human capital, natural capital, financial capital and social capital in order to more accurately reflect the losses for natural resources-based households. Social and natural capital losses were more severe than the other capitals. People earning two or more livelihoods have lost most production potential capitals. Although diversified livelihood households have lost more livelihood capitals, their livelihoods prove more resilient to natural disaster. The study shows that change of income level of the people before and after Nargis is the least in diversified livelihoods. In the natural disaster prone area, it is important not only to create diversified income opportunities but also to secure the livelihood capitals of the local people. The study brings out the recommendations to strengthen the community based disaster management strategies and to promote and support livelihood strategies that are resilient to natural disaster. |
| Year | 2009 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. NR-09-13 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Perret, Sylvain Roger; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Shivakoti, Ganesh P.;Ahmad, Mokbul Morshed; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | KAAD (Germany);Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2009 |