Forage tree legumes and sustainable upland farming in Timor Island – Indonesia

Abstract

Upland farmers in semi-arid region of Timor Island have frequently facing low and uncertain food crops production and chronic forage shortage during long dry season limiting livestock (cattle) production. This study explores forage development, particularly Leucaena and the dynamics of upland farming management among farmer groups in West Timor – Indonesia. The study mostly use forage data of ACIAR and AIAT-ENT collaboration research on forage development, particularly Leucaena conducted in ENT. The data were mostly analysed descriptively. The study showed that adoption of forage legume innovation, particularly Leucaena by upland farmers have solved forage shortage problem during long dry season in semi-arid region of Timor Island, it allowed farmers to do cattle fattening/shortening fattening period and improving crops (maize) production. Drawing on information regarding traditional farming (mixed-cropping) practices for food crops production and traditional local agro-forestry (Mamar) for perennial crops production, the research suggested that incorporated forage tree legume of Leucaena into both traditional farming system can improve/sustain crops and cattle production as well as environment.