Applying the Sustainable Livelihood Framework to Strengthen Community Resilience in a Rapidly Modernizing Vietnam

Sustainable Livelihood Framework
Sustainable Livelihood Framework developed by the UK Department for International Development (DFID)

Sustainable livelihoods are those that enable individuals and communities to withstand and recover from external shocks and stresses while maintaining or enhancing their asset base and capabilities. The Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF), developed by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), provides a comprehensive analytical tool for understanding the factors that influence livelihood outcomes and for designing interventions that support sustainable development.

At the core of the SLF are five interrelated categories of livelihood assets:

  • Human capital: Skills, knowledge, health status, and the capacity to work and adapt.
  • Natural capital: Access to natural resources such as land, water, forests, air, and ecosystem services.
  • Financial capital: Financial resources such as income, savings, credit, remittances, and pensions.
  • Social capital: Social networks, trust, and institutions that facilitate cooperation and collective action.
  • Physical capital: Infrastructure and goods necessary for livelihood activities, including transportation, energy, water supply, and housing.

In Vietnam, the application of the SLF is particularly relevant given the country’s rapid industrialization and modernization, which have profoundly reshaped traditional livelihood systems. Vietnam’s diverse geography and socio-cultural fabric give rise to a wide range of livelihood systems, from coastal fishing and urban informal economies to upland subsistence farming among ethnic minorities. Each of these systems faces distinct challenges and transformations under the pressures of industrialization, infrastructure development, and environmental change.

At CKC, we apply the SLF to assess the livelihood assets of households affected by investment projects, both prior to and following project implementation. Our methodology integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches – including semi-structured interviews, field observations, and narrative analysis – to capture the dynamic and context-specific nature of livelihood systems. Collaboration with community members, local organizations, and government stakeholders is central to this process.

This holistic approach enables social consultants and project developers to identify existing household assets, assess their potential for leverage, and determine the types of support required to foster resilient and sustainable livelihoods. The insights generated are instrumental in formulating effective social management strategies and livelihood restoration plans that genuinely enhance the well-being of vulnerable populations.

Moreover, the SLF serves as a robust monitoring and evaluation tool, allowing practitioners to track changes in livelihood assets over time and assess the effectiveness of project interventions. This facilitates accountability and ensures that development initiatives align with their commitments to affected communities.

 

(Tu Nguyen)

Over the past 10 days, Nành Nành has joined the campaign “Greener Footprint – Greener Huế” in a meaningful journey to promote sustainable living in the ancient capital. Along the way, Nành Nành visited 15 vegetarian restaurants and eco-friendly businesses in Hue, connecting with more than 30 individuals who share the same green values and reaching over 6.9k interactors on social media. We are deeply grateful for the warm companionship and thoughtful exchanges throughout the journey.
“Greener Footprint – Greener Huế” is more than just a campaign; it marks the beginning of an exciting new phase: the creation of a digital art map, featuring plant-based eateries and green footprints across Hue. Stay tuned for exciting discoveries and activities promoting vegetarian cuisine and sustainable living from Nành Nành in the coming month!
Why does Nành Nành characterize vegetarianism as a green journey? Because choosing plant-based foods and eco-friendly ingredients not only enhance our health but also safeguard the planet. Research indicates that a plant-based diet can:
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75% compared to a diet that includes 100g of animal meat daily.
  • Decrease methane emissions by 93% – a potent greenhouse gas produced by livestock.
  • Save 54% of the water used in food processing and preservation, while reducing biodiversity loss by 66%.
  • Reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 32% and the likelihood of cancer by 25%.
Nành Nành believes that small changes in our daily dietary choices have a big impact on both personal well-being and the environment. Balancing development and environmental stewardship is a responsibility we all share.
Nành Nành in Đông Ba market

 

Nành Nành in De Hué – 586E Bùi Thị Xuân

 

Nành Nành in Hiên Trà Nhị Độ Mai – 3/26 Nguyễn Thiện Thuật

 

Nành Nành in Mộc Nhiên – 27 Đinh Công Tráng

 

Nành Nành in T Roaster – 07 Sư Vạn Hạnh

 

Nành Nành in Bà Minh vegetarian stall – 04 Hàn Thuyên

 

Nành Nành in An vegetarian stall – 106 Cao Đình Độ

 

Nành Nành in Mệ Cam vegetarian stall – Đông Ba market
This campaign is part of the project “Beyond Veganism: An Environmental Responsibility and a Sustainable Way of Living,” implemented by CKC with the support of The Vegan Society (UK).
Sources:
[1] 2023, The Guardian, Vegan Diet Cuts Environmental Damage
[2] University of Oxford
This May, CKC is collaborating with nearly 20 vegetarian eateries and eco-friendly product businesses across Hue City to launch a communications campaign that promotes a plant-based diet – closely tied to environmental protection and sustainable living.
As part of this effort, CKC has designed and installed awareness posters at participating establishments to amplify messages of the project ‘Beyond Veganism: An Environmental Responsibility and a Sustainable Way of Living’ – an initiative led by CKC with support from The Vegan Society (UK).
We are also excited to introduce “Nành Nành” (Soy Bean), the project’s green ambassador! Nành Nành will guide us on a journey to discover delicious plant-based cuisine and eco-friendly products right in the heart of Hue.
Through this campaign, CKC aims to highlight that adopting a plant-based diet not only benefits personal health and spiritual well-being, but also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect the environment, and foster a more sustainable lifestyle for everyone.
Follow Nành Nành’s journey and join us in supporting local businesses that are making a positive impact on the environment in Hue!
Illustration: Ta Thi Thuy Linh