Chapter 3 - Agroforestry management practices in relation to tenure security in Koto Tangah Subdistrict, West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

The forest management practice that is currently discussed is managing land in the agroforestry system. The important factor that promotes the sustainability of agroforestry practices is clarity over land ownership. Land clarity will be affected to security tenure and the pattern of agroforestry land management. This study aims to analyze agroforestry management practices in relation to tenurial security and to analyze the factors that influence the change of agroforestry practices based on land ownership. The study was conducted in the Koto Tangah Subdistrict, Padang, West Sumatra. This study used a qualitative approach to the design of multicase studies. Data were collected by in-depth interviews and the PRA method, and the line transect was used to estimate the diversity of trees on agroforestry land. This study shows that the tenure security of agroforestry land is clarified by having proof of land ownership and tree tenure. Private lands are likely sustainable to manage their land. Private land has a higher amount of diversity than communal land and village (Nagari) land. Farming on private land is inclined to choose plants that have a high sale price. Meanwhile, farming products on communal land are sold and consumed by farmers. In this area, tenure security is the important drive to change agroforestry practices. The factors that affect changes of agroforestry practices consist of population growth, economic goals (long-term investment), accessibility to agroforestry land, and the hereditary practice of a community.