The Importance of Social Learning for the Development of Community Based Forest Management in Indonesia: The Case of Community Forestry in Lampung Province

Abstract

Community-based forest management is unlikely to be sustainable without a process of social learning between the internal and external actors. This situation is evident in West Lampung District in Lampung Province, Indonesia. This research assessed the processes and outcomes of social learning within three villages (i.e. Villages A, B and C) in West Lampung District that were engaged in a community forestry (CF) program. The data was gathered through questionnaire and interview which then analyzed with Likert Scale. The CF program outcomes were different in each village. Village A had the highest scores for facilitation, egalitarian atmosphere, repeated meetings, and diverse participation. This has resulted in a high level of community involvement in the CF program. In particular, the high level of facilitation by external actors such as training programs, and marketing information and funding has resulted in the community having a good knowledge of CF and the associated socioeconomic development programs available to them. Village B has highest score for multiple sources of knowledge variable. Due to the existing egalitarian atmosphere, each stakeholder in Village A can openly express their opinion without any hesitation, particularly between men and women. Meanwhile, the other sub variables of existing egalitarian atmosphere were scored the same for Village A, B, and C, such as the balances between old and young people as well as rich and poor people. In general, the implemented social learning has a greater positive effect on the livelihoods of CF group members in Village A compared to Villages B and C.