Tóm tắt
This study examines the expansion of white leg shrimp farming as a livelihood stressor shaping diversification and constraining transitions among small-scale lagoon fishing households in Phu Dien Commune, Hue City, Vietnam. Data were collected through a survey of 100 fishing households, complemented by focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The findings show that households are affected by multiple and overlapping pressures, including declining aquatic resources, lagoon pollution, market fluctuations, rising input costs, natural disasters, COVID-19, and the expansion of white-leg shrimp farming. Despite these pressures, most households continue to depend on fishing because of constraints related to capital, skills, and employment opportunities; only 7% of households exited fishing, while 11% adjusted their fishing gear, effort, or fishing grounds. The study suggests that livelihood diversification mainly takes the form of incremental and constrained adaptation rather than full livelihood transformation. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening environmental management in aquaculture, supporting livelihood transitions, and promoting co-management of lagoon resources to enhance community resilience.