Transformative Capacity of Vulnerable Populations in Indonesia and Myanmar for Adapting to Coastal Flooding

Transformative adaptation interventions protect vulnerable populations from the dreadful consequences of climate change. Current debates emphasize system change and collective agency, leaving the concept of transformative individual adaptation undefined. This article aims to present a fuller account of transformative action and capacity at the microlevel (i.e., individual and household). Our study examines adaptation responses of different levels of disruptive impact and their relationships with the inherent and acquired capacities of individuals. Evidence was collected from coastal areas in Indonesia and Myanmar through structured questionnaire surveys. Results show that voluntary migration and social mobilization are a function of transformative capacity. Incremental action is only predicted by indicators of coping capacity, representing assets, capabilities, and entitlements. These findings suggest that enabling transformative individual adaptation requires the strengthening of individual agency, encompassing perception of change, flexibility, interest in undertaking significant change, and autonomy. A conceptual framework is presented in this article, integrating these considerations with other contextual factors, including socioeconomic characteristics, values, and power relations. This study reveals key determinants for capacity-building initiatives to facilitate transformative individual adaptation. Fostering collective agency through participatory and bottom-up processes is important. Research, policy, and practice can expedite microlevel transitions by orienting these processes toward the enhancement of individual agency for transformation.