Socioeconomic perspective of agroforestry development in Central Java

Abstract

Agroforestry is a sustainable farming system that provides social, economic, and environmental benefits. It is crucial to develop this system in Java, which produces of 50% of Indonesia's food and has a shrinking land area. Small-scale entrepreneurs and farmers in Central Java have developed agroforestry in less than five years, but its long-term benefits are yet to be measured. However, it is possible to measure short-term benefits as indicators for monitoring and evaluation purposes. This study surveyed 101 agroforestry farmers to identify their characteristics and level of confidence in agroforestry, the types of agroforestry they practice, the combination of crops and livestock they use, their income for each type of crop and livestock, and the productivity of their land. The correlation between land area and income was also examined, as well as the relationship between agricultural and livestock yields to measure agrosilvopastoral potential. Agroforestry has been demonstrated to be a promising source of income for smallholders and should be further developed, particularly to increase productivity by addressing some of its weaknesses. Farmers have shown a positive attitude towards becoming social capital for sustainable forestry. Further research in the social field should investigate production trends and outcomes of changes in agricultural patterns, and conduct a resilience analysis. This research should be compared with conventional forestry to formulate appropriate agroforestry patterns that can be applied on a wider scale, particularly in areas with similar regional characteristics. Additionally, it is necessary to triangulate the ecological impact of agroforestry and its contribution to the macro-economy.