Aquaculture-related livelihood changes due to climate and non-climate stressors and well-being of residents in coastal communities

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the changes in aquaculture-related livelihoods due to environmental changes that have occurred over the past 57 years in the coastal communities of Bang Khun Thian District, Bangkok, Thailand. Additionally, the study sought to evaluate the well-being of residents currently residing in these coastal communities and its significant determinants. The study employed mixed methods. In-depth interviews with six community leaders and twelve residents, along with documentary reviews, were conducted to analyze the process of aquaculture-related livelihood changes. Subsequently, questionnaire surveys with 177 residents were administered in July 2024. Chronological analysis based on documentary reviews and in-depth interviews was conducted to examine changes in livelihood strategies over time, from 1967 to the present (2024). Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to test the association between residents’ well-being and relevant factors, including livelihood-related variables, socio-demographic characteristics, and individual resilience to undesirable events. The results demonstrated that, due to changes in environmental quality (e.g., contaminated water resources, soil pollution, the introduction of invasive species, and loss of mangrove forests) and the occurrence of environmental hazards (e.g., heavy rainfall, high water temperatures, sea-level rise, and land erosion), communities’ natural assets deteriorated. Several households shifted their livelihood strategies from pure aquaculture to partial aquaculture or non-aquaculture livelihoods. Some households maintained pure aquaculture livelihoods by adopting adaptation strategies in aquaculture practices but were largely unsuccessful in coping with environmental hazards. The results of the multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that residents with pure aquaculture livelihoods were more likely to experience low levels of well-being. Furthermore, low well-being was also associated with larger family sizes, low household incomes, and low levels of financial, environmental, and social resilience to undesirable shocks. Therefore, it could be suggested that, amid environmental crises in the area, livelihood diversification is essential for pure-fishery households, particularly those with larger family sizes. Building financial, social, and environmental resilience should also be promoted to enhance residents’ well-being.