The ecological, economical and social benefit of Dukuh in South Kalimantan

Abstract

This study aims to reveal the ecological, economic dan social benefits of the Dukuh agroforestry system. The ecological data were collected using the survey method and interview. There were 16 quadrant plots measuring 20 m x 20 m placed in 4 selected Dukuh. The sampling method used was nested sampling. Fauna and characteristic of land were carried out using the exploration method by following the vegetation measurement plot. Data on socio economic benefits were obtained from interviews about the income, cost, ethnobotany, and social data. Some supporting data needed to be obtained from village office documents and literature references. The ecological data were analyzed by using species composition and diversity index. Species composition was analyzed by tabulation matrices. The species diversity index was calculated using the Shannon-Wiener Index. Economic benefits are assessed from the economic contribution of Dukuh. Ethnobotanical and social benefit data were analyzed descriptively. There are 38 species of trees and 14 species of understorey found in Dukuh. Shanon index value for tree and understorey of Dukuh species are > 2 (medium category). The ecological characters of Dukuh help retain soil aggregates, increase infiltration, reduce erosion and facilitate preference habitat for animal life. Some animals belong to the category of protected fauna (Manis javanica, Varanus borneensis, Harliantus indus). Aves diversity index value is H’= 2.54 (middle category). Dukuh is also a habitat for 13 species of soil fauna. The economic benefits are identified from: The dukuh’s harvest contributes 30% of the farmers’ total income; Some Dukuh plants are useful as emergency income and medicinal plants. The social benefit of Dukuh is increasing friendship between the community and improving the family’s social status. This information provides an overview of how successful local community forest farming is in providing benefits to the environment.