Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 4
Dudukuhan Tree Farming Systems in West
Java: How to Mobilize Self-Strengthening
of Community-Based Forest Management?
G.E.S. Manurung
1
*, J.M. Roshetko
1,2
, S. Budidarsono
1
, and I. Kurniawan
1
Abstract
Dudukuhan are traditional tree farming systems in West Java, Indonesia
and can be divided into four types: (1) timber systems, (2) mixed fruit-timber-
banana-annual crop systems, (3) mixed fruit-timber systems, and (4) fallow systems.
Traditionally dudukuhan are managed on an extractive basis, with few inputs (quality
germplasm, fertilizers, labor, etc.) allocated to maintain or improve system productiv-
ity. Farmers favour this management approach because of limited land tenure, small
landholding size, off-farm employment opportunities, limited market access, or their
limited experience with intensive tree management. Depending on the socioeconomic
conditions and market opportunities the management of a specific piece of land may
shift between the four types of dudukuhan. This transformation occurs gradually over
a number of years and affects the tree diversity and total number of trees in the sys-
tem. A desire for tree products, market opportunities, and land tenure status are the
key factors that influence farmers' decision concerning which type of dudukuhan to
develop. Positive changes in these factors have a positive influence on tree diversity
and tree density. Income generation is the primary factor influencing farmers' choice
of tree species. Soil conservation is a secondary but important factor influencing both
choices of dudukuhan and tree species. Farmers are interested in intensifying the
management of their dudukuhans, but hesitate because they do not know where to
focus their efforts. Experience indicates that Nanggung farmers may be best served
by transforming their traditional subsistence tree farming systems into semi-commercial
enterprises that yield products to meet both home and market demand.
Keywords
Talun, tree diversity, transformation process
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