The role of land management in increasing the income of Private Forest farmers in Central Lombok Regency

Abstract

One of the success indicator of private forest farming is an increase in farmers’ income, which is indicated by the large contribution of income from private forests. The size of the income is influenced by several factors, including the pattern of private forest management which will determine the quality products of private forests. However, currently, most of the private forest farmers have not placed the aspect of land management as the main factor determining the success of farming in private forests. This research is conducted to determine the role of land management on the income of private forest farmers in Central Lombok Regency. The research was conducted in three private forests in Central Lombok Regency, namely Pemepek, Setiling, and Sepakek Villages. The method used is interviews using questionnaire to 45 respondents who are selected purposively. The object of observation is land management which include plant maintenance, and harvesting; and farmers’ income from private forest and non-private forest. The data analysis was carried out in a descriptive qualitative manner. The results showed that in general, land management carried out by private forest farmers had not been able to increase income from private forests. However, farmers who carry out crop maintenance in the form replanting are able to produce a higher income than when farmers applied other land management activity. The combination of land management activity will improve their income. The more intensive land management, the higher the income will be obtained.