Contemporary Farming System in the Shifting Cultivation Practiced by Arfak Tribe in Hink District, Pegunungan Arfak Regency, West Papua, Indonesia

Abstract

Farming systems for shifting cultivation are generally carried out in dryland areas, especially in the tropics in Asia, Africa and Latin America. By enhancing local knowledge of the community in managing the land wisely, this system can still provide food sustainably. Shifting cultivation is common is Indonesia, but agricultural systems of the Arfak tribe in West Papua have not been widely reported. One of the largest dryland farms in West Papua is by the Arfak tribe through shifting cultivation system, to meet the needs of their families. Respondents for the study were purposively selected from 50% of sample villages, based on the homogeneity of the research area. This study is expected to give an overview of the agricultural system and the division of labor in shifting cultivation farming. Farming on a fairly steep slope is done by mixed cropping of food crops and vegetables. The farming activity is carried out jointly by the whole family in the clan members only at the time of land clearing, and then each member has the responsibility to maintain his/her crops. The larger role for males is in the early stages of land clearing, while the women are responsible for planting, maintenance and harvest. The largest income from all farms is obtained from potato, carrot and cabbage.