Abstract
Land and forest management practices in developing countries have resulted in millions of hectares of degraded lands. This is caused by policy implementation unable to synergize between conservation-ecological goals, and the economic needs of farmer households. This study aims to showcase a model for bringing together economic and ecological interests more closely in line with one another. Furthermore, the study also presents an institutional structure of a program that could help to establish agroforestry-based land rehabilitation policies. The research employed includes a combination of Farming Income Analysis and Interpretative Structural Modeling Analysis. The results show that farming income, when employing agroforestry technology is higher than non-agroforestry approaches. Furthermore, agroforestry technology supports critical land rehabilitation and provides conditions for longer term sustainability. Therefore, a programmatic institutional approach is needed to support these dual goals. We identify that a programmatic approach would include: (1) applying conditions of an agroforestry system as a holistic structured unit, (2) improvement of farmer knowledge and skills, (3) increasing the role and capacity of relevant institutions, (4) improving coordination between sectors, (5) developing conservation agriculture systems, (6) improving bureaucratic support systems, and (7) strengthening control and supervision functions. These elements imply that implementation of agroforestry technology requires institutional support in designing policy for critical land rehabilitation, of which would have significant economic and ecological outcomes on critical lands.
Highlights
Forest management practices, in extractive natural resource economies in developing countries, have created conditions whereby millions of hectares of land remain degraded and underutilized
This paper identifies a case study for engaging on the dual goals of conservation and economic improvement on critical lands in Sulawesi, in degraded watershed areas that have become the source of flash floods in recent years
This paper has provided a strong case for agroforestry in the rehabilitation of degraded lands both economically and ecologically
Summary
In extractive natural resource economies in developing countries, have created conditions whereby millions of hectares of land remain degraded and underutilized. Knowledge management is critical for identifying potential innovations for these dual challenges, such as supporting farmer innovation practices to increase production volume and quality (Duangta, Borisutdhi, & Simaraks, 2018) and supported by adequate extension services (Gedgaew, Simaraks, & Rambo, 2018). This paper identifies a case study for engaging on the dual goals of conservation and economic improvement on critical lands in Sulawesi, in degraded watershed areas that have become the source of flash floods in recent years. Among the critical nutrient-poor lands, several are characterized by steep slopes. These topographic conditions require careful management so as not to deviate from the principles of soil and water conservation.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
