Finding alternatives to swidden agriculture: does agroforestry improve livelihood options and reduce pressure on existing forest?

Abstract

Swidden cultivation can contribute to deforestation and land degradation, which can subsequently result in a number of serious environmental problems. This paper examines the economic and social potential of agroforestry systems and the barriers to their widespread adoption, as a land use alternative to swidden cultivation, which may potentially help protect local forest. The Gunung Salak valley in West Java, Indonesia is presented as a case study. Based on farmers' and experts' assessment, costs and benefits have been estimated, which show that the two investigated agroforestry systems have higher net present value and benefit-cost ratio (B/C) than the two swidden cultivation systems. Tree ownership also creates more permanent rights to farmland and is prestigious in the community. Agroforestry products (fruit, vegetables etc.) have high monetary value and help strengthen social cohesion when shared with neighbors. However, farmers are reluctant to implement agroforestry. Stated reasons are related to both culture and capacity. Farmers practicing agroforestry are less involved in forest clearing and forest products collection than swidden farmers indicating that it may contribute positively to conservation of local forests. Increasing the adoption of agroforestry farming in the study area will require support to overcome capacity constraints.

How trust influence social capital to support collective action in agroforestry development?

“…The willingness of the community in Sidodadi to grow MPTS between coffee and cocoa based on their awareness of the importance of water conservation functions (ecological). In line with Roshetko et al (2013);Rahman et al (2014); Rahman et al (2017), agroforestry is a dynamic ecologically-based practice of growing trees on farmland alongside crops. The communities in both villages realized since forests were dominated by cocoa and coffee, many water springs disappeared.…”

Agroforestry Technique for Minimal Extra-Labour: Influence of Chromolaena-Cajanus Combination on Soil Chemistry and Biology, and Yam Yields

“…There is no labour related to weeding and management as the species competes with C. odorata. Other benefits are conceivable with this practice as commonly reported for agroforestry in general (Simelton et al, 2016;Rahman et al, 2017). For instance, Cajanus' grains are highly nutritional and suitable for feeding both human and animals, and the plant offers fuelwood (Odeny, 2007).…”

“…As far, the level of adoption by farmers, which is the keystone of the success of agroforestry or (more broadly) agroecology techniques, remains low. Many reasons account for this situation, such as inefficient or lack of strong policies at government level (Meijer, Catacutan, Ajayi, Sileshi, Nieuwenhuis, 2015;Simelton, Catacutan, Dao, Dam, Le, 2016, Rahman, Jacobsen, Healey, Roshetko, Sunderland, 2017. Another constraint is the extra labor entailed.…”

Integrating bioenergy and food production on degraded landscapes in Indonesia for improved socioeconomic and environmental outcomes

“…With this in mind, bioenergy species, for example, nyamplung, has potential to be used as a restoration crop in agroforestry systems, offering a climate‐smart farming approach by producing bioenergy as well as the function for soil and biodiversity conservation (Baral & Lee, ; Borchard et al., ; Jaung et al., ; Maimunah et al., ; Prabakaran & Britto, ; Schweier et al., ). As such farming can bring environmental and socioeconomic benefits without sacrificing agricultural production, it proves a viable way to shift toward sustainable production and scale back unsustainable agricultural practices that may lead to further degradation and deforestation (Boucher et al., ; Brown, Robinson, French, & Reed, ; Rahman, Sunderland, et al., ; Rahman, Jacobsen, et al., ). Improving access to affordable and reliable forms of energy, and enhanced and diverse food production, is essential to reduce poverty, eradicate hunger, and promote economic growth in the developing world (Malla, ; Rahman, ; Rahman, Jacobsen, et al., ).…”

“…As such farming can bring environmental and socioeconomic benefits without sacrificing agricultural production, it proves a viable way to shift toward sustainable production and scale back unsustainable agricultural practices that may lead to further degradation and deforestation (Boucher et al., ; Brown, Robinson, French, & Reed, ; Rahman, Sunderland, et al., ; Rahman, Jacobsen, et al., ). Improving access to affordable and reliable forms of energy, and enhanced and diverse food production, is essential to reduce poverty, eradicate hunger, and promote economic growth in the developing world (Malla, ; Rahman, ; Rahman, Jacobsen, et al., ).…”