Assessing the Economic Effectiveness of Community-Based Climate Adaptation Using an Evaluation Framework

Abstract

This study develops and pilots an evaluation framework for assessing the economic, social, environmental effectiveness and climate change adaptation capacity of community-based models in the Northwest region of Vietnam, a region highly vulnerable to climate risks and characterized by indigenous agricultural practices. The framework includes 22 indicators across four dimensions, with a standardized scoring system enabling objective comparison and model selection. A pilot assessment was conducted on an in-field rice straw composting model in Lai Chau province. The model scored 76.5 out of 100, rated as “fairly high”, reflecting strong environmental (95.5%) and social (85.7%) effectiveness, moderate adaptability to climate change (71.7%), and modest economic efficiency (46.7%). The model reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 1.5 - 2 tons CO 2 /ha/year, enhances soil fertility, and cuts input costs. It is technically simple, low-cost, and well-suited to ethnic minority communities with limited capital and technical capacity. However, it lacks flexibility under extreme climate events and has limited access to green finance, restricting its scalability. The study recommends integrating the model into national target programs (e.g., new rural development, ecological agriculture), establishing micro-finance support (under 2 million VND/household/season), and improving its flexibility through seasonal and site-specific adaptations. This research contributes a scientific basis for selecting, evaluating, and scaling community-based climate adaptation models in mountainous and vulnerable areas, supporting Vietnam’s climate commitments and green development strategies.