Strengthening of farmer groups institutions in the development of community forests based on Jamblang (Syzygium cummini Linn) agroforestry

Abstract

The existence of farmer’s groups is important for increasing community forest productivity. The final impact is the sustainability of the environment and the community’s welfare with the pattern of community forests. The purpose of the research is to find out the structure and dynamic of farmer groups for institutional strengthening. The research was conducted in Cipari Hamlet, Linggajaya Village, Cisitu Subdistrict, Sumedang Regency, from 2015 to 2017. The research used a qualitative approach and descriptive explanation of a case. Data collection was conducted by doing in-depth interviews with 3 (three) informants, and using questionnaires on 22 (twenty two) respondents who are members of the “Lingga Murni” forest farmer group. The result showed that the forest farmer group “Lingga Murni” was a modern group, as seen from the existence of an organizational structure (but there was no forestry section) and some institutional activities that have already left the sub-district. But the collection of decisions was not by deliberation but directly from the group leader. The Lingga Murni farmer group did not accommodate the opinions of all members. Alternative development agency priorities were the establishment of a forestry section in the organizational structure to accommodate community forest activities, as well as the creation of work plans with the aim of improving the performance of its members, from program design to evaluation of activities.