Agroforestry as a model of sustainable land use of small-scale private forest: a case study in Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

A small-scale private forest using a model of agroforestry has been growing as part of a rural culture and has become an important source of income for many rural people. In many cases, particularly in densely populated area, farmers usually integrate seasonal crops and livestock with perennial crops to fulfil their daily dietary needs. However, the aspects of sustainability that are comprehensively reviewed have not been widely revealed in small-scale private forest. The aim of this paper is therefore to identify the characteristics of small-scale private forests under the agroforestry model. The sampling technique used was simple random sampling and data were collected through questionnaire from 27 farmers. Agroforestry-based small-scale private forest demonstrates a sustainable farming system: the system possesses a high ecological stability; socially, it is based on the local culture and knowledge; and economically, the agroforestry model contributes significantly to farmers' income.