Vulnerability and Livelihood Sustainability of the Rural Community: An investigation from Sustainable Livelihood Framework

Abstract

This paper seeks to examine the level of vulnerability in economic activity and livelihood of a rural community in Penyabung sub-district, Mersing, Johor. In this study, the sustainable livelihood framework has been used as a guide. In line with this research framework, the sustainability of community livelihoodis subjected to what extent they are in control of the following assets (capital): physical capital, social capital, financial capital, human capital and natural capital. Otherdeterminants ofthecommunity levels of vulnerability and sustainability include external forces such as environmental  stress, shock and trends  resultingfromhuman action, environmentalchangeandgovernmentpolicy.  The final sectionof this paperdiscussesvarious strategiesundertaken at local andinstitutionslevelinorder to successfullyimprovethe livelihood of the rural community.