This study delves into the intricate challenges posed by climate variability for rice
farmers in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. It systematically explores the patterns of
climate variability and their profound impacts on rice production across diverse areas
within the delta. Through an examination of both collective and individual responses
to these challenges, the study identifies local rice adaptation strategies. Data collection
methods include focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. The findings
unveil notable regional disparities, with farmers in Can Tho and Bac Lieu facing more
severe impacts of climate variability during different rice crops compared to those in
An Giang province. Can Tho farmers navigate floods and sudden cold, while their
counterparts in Bac Lieu contend with risks associated with saline intrusion due to
water shortages in the Mekong River and compromised sluice gates. Bac Lieu’s farmers
face additional constraints, such as compromised harvests due to heavy rain, resulting
in lower quality and prices. This study underscores the importance of collective actions,
such as water drainage in Can Tho and freshwater storage in Bac Lieu, in mitigating
climate variability. Unfortunately, local innovations in collective action have been
constrained by disagreements and conflicts among different stakeholder groups. In
light of this, the implications suggest that climate variability in the Mekong has become
increasingly complex in recent years, particularly with issues like saline intrusion and
drought. Collective adaptation through government intervention at various levels
remains a viable strategy to encourage different communities of rice producers to
adapt to climate variability.