Abstract

The Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle (CLVDT) area is strategically
placed vis-à-vis the economic, social and ecological-environmental aspects of the
three countries involved. The agricultural sector has played an important role in
contributing to economic growth, ensuring food security, and creating jobs and
income for the local people. However, the sector is also one of the worst affected by
natural disasters such as floods, flash floods and drought. Since 2001, disasters
have occurred in the three provinces of Kon Tum (in Vietnam), Ratanakiri (in
Cambodia) and Attapeu (in Laos) every year. While natural disasters have both
negative and positive effects on agricultural production-related activities, outcomes
are mostly negative. Natural disasters have serious consequences on agricultural
production (such as field land, forest land and fishing area), its output, the agricultural
infrastructure system, in general, as well as farmer’s lives. Various stakeholders are
involved in responding to the negative impacts of natural disasters, including central
and local governments, the local population, and non-governmental organisations.
This paper highlights the significance of indigenous knowledge in adapting to natural
disasters in the CLVDT area, as well as the main challenges and recommendations
for adapting to and mitigating the negative impacts of natural disasters.