Vulnerability and resilience of remote rural communities to shocks and global changes: Empirical analysis from Solomon Islands

Successful management of socio-ecological systems not only requires the development and field-testing of robust and measurable indices of vulnerability and resilience but also improved understanding of the contextual factors that influence societal capacity to adapt to change. We present the results of an analysis conducted in three coastal communities in Solomon Islands. An integrated assessment map was used to systematically scan the communities’ multiple dimensions of vulnerability and to identify factors affecting households’ perception about their capacity to cope with shocks (resilience). A multivariate probit approach was used to explore relationships amongst factors. Social processes such as community cohesion, good leadership, and individual support to collective action were critical factors influencing the perception that people had about their community's ability to build resilience and cope with change. The analysis also suggests a growing concern for a combination of local (internal) and more global (external) contingencies and shocks, such as the erosion of social values and fear of climate change.

► This study used a livelihood vulnerability assessment method to identify sources of vulnerability and factors and processes that mediated households’ resilience in three remote fishing communities in Solomon Islands.
► The findings show that fisheries-related issues are not systematically recognized as being major sources of vulnerability, even for communities that depend heavily on marine resources for their income and food security, highlighting the need for a broader vulnerability assessment process to identify entry points for fisheries management.
► The analysis revealed a growing concern amongst coastal Solomon Islands populations for a combination of local (internal) and more global (external) contingencies and shocks, such as the erosion of social values and fear of climate change.
► The results demonstrate that social processes such as community cohesion, good leadership, and individual support to collective action are critical factors influencing the perception that people have about the capacity of their community to cope with change.