Community resilience and climate change adaptation based on soil erosion assessment: A case study at Loei

Abstract

This study investigates community resilience and adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change, with a particular focus on soil erosion in vulnerable agricultural landscapes. Employing a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach within the Thai Prachapijai (Participatory Research and Development: PR&D) framework, the research integrates scientific analysis with community-based problem-solving processes. Twenty community participants from climate-affected areas were actively engaged in data collection, experimentation, and knowledge exchange. The study compares agricultural plots with and without soil conservation measures to evaluate the effectiveness of erosion control practices. Eight experimental plots, each measuring one cubic meter in width, length, and depth, were established to quantify annual soil loss. Four plots were located in the upstream Man River area (Ban Mak Khaeng, Kok Sathon Subdistrict), characterized by steep-slope cultivation, while the remaining four plots were situated in the Phung Phung basin, where soil conservation practices have been implemented. Over a three-year observation period, key variables—including rainfall intensity, vegetation management, soil conservation techniques, slope gradient, soil properties, and erosion risk—were systematically monitored and analyzed. Annual soil loss data were processed to estimate erosion rates and generate spatial maps illustrating erosion severity across the study areas. The results enable identification of critical factors influencing soil erosion and assessment of the effectiveness of conservation interventions. The findings are disseminated to local communities to strengthen adaptive capacity, enhance evidence-based decision-making, and promote sustainable land management practices. Ultimately, this research contributes to practical strategies for improving soil conservation, enhancing community resilience, and reducing climate change vulnerability in smallholder agricultural systems.