Livelihood resilience of vulnerable groups in the face of climate change: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Climate change and variability have had a global impact on the development of social-economic and human well-being. Smallholders are highly dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods, particularly in developing areas. Analyzing the livelihood resilience of these vulnerable groups has become especially important for improving their ability to cope with risks and developing resilience strategies for governments and relevant interest groups. This study aims at examining the most relevant factors to livelihood resilience through systematic literature review and quantity analyses. 3671 respondents from 10 studies were included. The results obtained by meta-analysis revealed that the substance of income and food access had the highest correlation with livelihood resilience, followed by adaptive capacity which belongs to the capacities constituents. Sensitivity, as one of the capacities, was the only one that had a negative relationship with livelihood resilience. In addition, it was found that there is publication bias in the meta-analysis result of income and food access, future research and publication should pay more attention to this factor, as well as social safety nets. Moderator analysis further indicated that the publication year, study area, and stressors had no effect on the resilience results. Finally, a framework for improving livelihood resilience through government, institution and individual was proposed. By using incentive strategies, persuasion strategies and individual empowerment, a reference for building sustainable livelihoods around the world was provided.