Plant Species Composition and Local Farmers' Perceptions of Agroforestry Practices: Initial Findings from Aceh and Java, Indonesia

Abstract

The local farmers have implemented the agroforestry systems for a long time and many challenges are found in agroforestry practices. This study analyzed the plant species composition and local farmers' perceptions of agroforestry practices in Aceh and Java, Indonesia. We interviewed the local farmers and observed the species composition in the field. Most local farmers are in the 46-55-year-old age group (42%) with an elementary school education background (39%). Local farmers reported acquiring their agroforestry skills through self-experimentation. Most local farmers possess 2-5 years of experience. Only 29% of the farmers have participated in such groups or communities. Approximately 88% of local farmers have agrisilviculture as their preferred approach. They perceive their planted species' growth performance as in good condition (58%). The dominant tree species favored by local farmers are Tectona grandis, Falcataria falcata, Swietenia macrophylla, and Durio zibethinus. While in the realm of crops, the dominants are Manihot esculenta, Ipomoea batatas, Musa paradisiaca, and Capsicum annum. The main challenges faced by the local farmers are pest/disease attacks (43,9%), limited human resources availability (31,7%), and limited market (24,4%). The most needed in agroforestry practices are species selection (29,3%), cultivation techniques (24,4%), and irrigation systems (19,5%).