Indigenous knowledge and forest-based livelihoods in the context of climate change: Evidence from the Dao community in Lai Chau province, Vietnam

Climate change poses serious challenges to mountainous socio-ecological systems, where community livelihoods depend heavily on forest resources and natural environmental conditions. In this context, indigenous knowledge is considered a crucial resource for adaptation; however, its role as a socio-economic governance system remains unclear. This study analyzes the role of indigenous knowledge in shaping forest-based livelihoods and climate change adaptation among the Dao ethnic community in Lai Chau province, Northern Vietnam, using a mixed-use approach combining qualitative data from in-depth interviews and focus groups with quantitative data from surveys of 200 households. The results show that indigenous knowledge functions as an informal governance system through customary practices and community institutions, contributing to regulating forest resource use and supporting livelihood diversification. However, the effectiveness of this system is declining under the impact of climate change and socio-economic transformations, leading to the emergence of an “adaptation gap” between risk perception and actual response capacity. The study highlights the dynamic nature of indigenous knowledge and suggests the need to integrate institutional and policy resources to enhance adaptability in the context of current change.