This project investigates household decision-making in climate change adaptation to enhance food security in the mountainous regions of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The study aimed to (1) analyze factors influencing adaptation strategies, (2) assess the impact of adaptation and other factors on food security, and (3) provide policy recommendations to strengthen adaptive capacity and food security.

The project successfully achieved its primary objectives through surveys of 1,017 households and 12 focus group discussions. Findings indicate that social support, climate change adaptation knowledge, perceived usefulness, and ease of adoption influenced adaptation choices, while climate change perception did not. Vietnamese households were more likely to adopt practices like intercropping and growing climate-resilient crops.

Using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FAO, 2019), the study found that many Vietnamese farmers experienced food insecurity at varying levels, likely due to pandemic-related impacts. Household age, education, size, and livelihood diversification positively influenced food security, whereas crop diversification had a negative effect, possibly due to limited resources and investment constraints.

Although time constraints prevented a full analysis of the adaptation-food security relationship, the study highlights the importance of climate adaptation knowledge. Policy recommendations include increasing public investment in education and rural development to enhance food security in these regions.