Chapter 3 - Livelihood Change and Livelihood Sustainability in the Uplands of Lembang Subwatershed, West Sumatra Province of Indonesia, in a Changing Natural Resources Management Context

Abstract

This chapter analyzes livelihood change and livelihood sustainability of households in the upland part of Lembang subwatershed of West Sumatra in response to changes in the natural resources management (NRM) context during the last decade. Using the sustainable livelihood framework, we measured livelihood changes at two separate points in time, 1996 and 2006, and assessed their environmental, economic, social, and institutional sustainability. We found that people with low income had less access to capital assets than people from middle and high income groups. Our analysis revealed, however, that access to capital assets increased over time, and that poor households experienced economic improvement, indicating an overall increase in economic sustainability. Environmental sustainability, however, is threatened by intensive agricultural practices such as high agrochemical input and intensive soil tillage on steep slopes, leading to pollution and soil erosion. Social sustainability is also a matter of concern: while social exclusion has been reduced, income inequity has increased. Institutional sustainability is likely to remain uncertain as local institutions for NRM are still weak, despite the fact that decentralization has been implemented during the last 8years. External facilitation is needed to improve the livelihood of upland people while at the same time enhancing the sustainability of watershed management. Strengthening local institutions, conserving natural resources, and promoting environmentally sound agricultural practices are the three most important policies to be promoted within the watershed.