ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks to contribute to the English-language literature on this subject by presenting the empirical results of a case study of rural communities in Shaanxi Province in western China, where MSSMP as disaster prevention resettlement has been implemented. It discusses whether Disaster prevention resettlement programmes (DPRP) can be used as a strategy for adaptation to climate change. For long-term disaster prevention and development, local governments normally organise permanent and collective relocation after disasters are also discussed here. Based on the discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of Massive Southern Shaanxi Migration Programme (MSSMP) by villagers during the interviews and FGDs in the research site, MSSMP can be seen as adaptation to climate change by reducing exposure to risk, enabling mobility, providing financial incentives, advancing living standards and improving psychological well-being. Empirical results show that various adaptation strategies have been adopted by local villagers and governments in the research area to cope with climate change impacts.
