Forestry Programs Research Articles

SOCIAL FORESTRY FOR WOMEN LIVELIHOOD IN THE RURAL SOCIETY OF JESSORE, BANGLADESH

Women’s rights and privileges are now global issues. Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh has reviewed all its policies and programmes to remove gender discrimination and to bring women in the mainstream of development arenas to warrant their roles are significant. In the very recent past women participation was emphasized in forestry activities in Bangladesh. Social forestry programme is such an important sector where rural poor and destitute women have actively been participating during the last decade. Data were collected from 100 randomly selected women who have been working in the social forestry programme of the Forest Extension Division and two national NGOs namely Jagoroni Chakra and Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) supported by the Social Forestry Extension Circle, Jessore, Bangladesh. This study demonstrated that the social forestry programme contributed for the livelihood improvement of the rural women through their active participation in the programme. Social awareness, health consciousness, family decision making power, and income generation capability built by the social forestry programme for the rural women in Bangladesh. Sustainability of the livelihood for women from social forestry programme would be an issue, need to be addressed in future studies.

What Are Foresters Taught? An Analysis of Undergraduate Level Forestry Curricula in Türkiye

As the forestry profession evolved from extractive management to sustainable forest management, forestry education and curricula had to reflect these changes. While forestry education and curriculum have been extensively analyzed for different countries, no such analysis exists for Turkish forestry. This study analyzes the curriculum and course contents of all undergraduate-level forest engineering programs across Türkiye. The study employed content analysis to explore disparities among the schools. The courses are classified into disciplinary fields depending on their contents. Verbs used in learning outcomes were analyzed using Bloom’s taxonomy. Mandatory and elective requirements of forestry programs are quite similar, indicating little disparity among schools in different regions. Course categorization reveals that forestry education emphasizes biophysical and technical sciences. Learning outcomes focused heavily on the low-level thinking dimensions of Bloom. We conclude that the Turkish forestry curriculum needs a reformative change to equip students with skill sets to practice sustainable forest management.

Benefit, View, and Alternative of Social Forestry Program in Two Reference Groups, Pemalang Regency

Social forestry program expected to give space for people in forest management, improve livelihood, and conserve the environment at once to decrease poverty rate on people who live around the forest. This article aims to describe the benefit of community member which is complemented by deepening of view and alternative of social forestry program in Kelompok Tani Hutan Gunung Gajah Lestari (KTH GGL) and Lembaga Masyarakat Desa Hutan Rawa Sakti (LMDH RS). Qualitative approach in case study form is used which interview 49 informants include managements and members that accompanied by focus group discussion as data triangulation which processed by Nvivo application and Microsoft Excel. The result shows social forestry program has viewed giving benefit although it felt not optimal by the members in both groups. However, rough calculation on utilization of forest areas tends possibly to contribute around Rp.1,5-3 million rupiah/planting period. The utilization of forest areas is revival means or additional income where social-economic context is needed to be understood on identify commodity alternative that can be developed in the further time. The rest is the need for natural science approach which can answer the confusion of community to find alternatives commodity which more give revenue.

Growth and Coppicing Ability of the Critically Endangered Agarwood (Aquilaria Malaccensis Lam.) Tree in Monoculture and Polyculture in North East India

ABSTRACT Agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis Lam.) (Thymelaeaceae) is valued in many cultures because of its distinctive fragrance and its use in incense, perfumery, and traditional medicine. Large-scale harvesting from natural populations caused rapid depletion of the species in the wild, and the species is now listed as “Critically Endangered” and almost extinct in the wild. The promotion of this species in agroforestry systems may pave the way for its conservation. The present study aimed to quantify the growth and coppicing ability of agarwood under monoculture and polyculture stands. Monoculture stands aged more than 20 years, and stem girth (1.37 m above ground) of 60–70 cm had the highest growth increment of 3.73 cm yr−1. Monoculture stands (>10 years old) also recorded higher number of coppicing stocks than polyculture stands. The highest coppice growth increment (4.07 cm yr−1) was recorded in the 70–80 cm stem girth in monoculture stands. Based on the results, we recommend the promotion of agarwood trees with good coppice management in forestry programs to conserve the species while also meeting the economic needs of rural communities.

Usefulness and Need for Digital Technology to Assist Forest Management: Summary of Findings from a Survey of Registered Foresters

AbstractKey components of a digital forestry program (digital tools, databases, and decision-support systems) can be of great importance in the management of forests today. A general lack of knowledge of the needs of forest managers and landowners for components of digital forestry has been hypothesized. A survey regarding digital forestry tools was conducted of registered foresters from five USA states (Alabama, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, and North Carolina). Registered foresters may be private landowners or those working for organizations that meet the requirements for licensure in a state. Of the registered foresters who identified as nonindustrial private landowners, roughly half currently do not use digital technologies for forest management efforts. Of the registered foresters who identified as employees of forestry organizations, about 80% use digital technology in the management of their organization’s forests. Geographic information systems technology was the most important, followed by inventory systems, databases, and field-ready smartphone applications. Those registered foresters who had not used digital technologies in the past suggested that their usefulness for the management of their property and their lack of awareness of potential options were likely reasons for not using digital technologies.Study Implications: From surveying five eastern states in the United States, we found that forest landowners are not current users of technology, whereas those associated with forest organizations are more apt to use technologies when managing their forests. Desirable technologies used by both private landowners and forestry organizations include geographic information systems and smartphone applications, whereas those working for forestry organizations also desired inventory systems and databases. Current technology gaps were also identified.

GC/MS-Based Fingerprinting Reveals Two Chemotypes in the Leaf Essential Oils from Magnolia grandiflora Trees within The Urban Forestry of a Colombian Andean Plateau.

Magnolia grandiflora is an aromatic plant widely distributed around the world. In Colombia, and more specifically in Bogotá, M. grandiflora has been introduced as part of urban forestry programs, and their specimens are therefore subjected to several environments. Nevertheless, there are no previous studies on the chemical composition of such plants. Hence, the characterization of the essential oil from 20 specimens of M. grandiflora from Bogotá, Colombia, by GC/MS was carried out here. Two different chemotypes were found. While one was characterized by monoterpenes α-pinene, β-pinene, and limonene, the other contained mainly sesquiterpenes β-elemene, bicyclogermacrene, and germacrene D. Multivariate statistical analyses confirmed their existence and helped to identify variations within and between chemotypes. Furthermore, differential expression of genes encoding the terpene synthases Mg25 and Mg17 could arguably be responsible for the characteristic compositions of both chemotypes, as suggested by rational biosynthetic analysis of the most contrasting metabolites.

Relational values of forests: Value‐conflicts between local communities and external programmes in Sulawesi

Abstract Studies found that rapid decline of biodiversity and ecosystems globally have adversely affected an estimated 1.6 billion rural people whose livelihoods both directly and indirectly depend on forests. To halt the loss of forests and other natural ecosystems that simultaneously support rural livelihoods, various external programmes have been developed and applied, including market‐based and rights‐based approaches. However, rapid biodiversity and ecosystem decline continues, and better incentives or more secure rights have not always led to local community participation and improved livelihoods. This suggests the need to better explain local communities' motivations in nature stewardship. We conducted a study of local communities in two villages in Sulawesi who voluntarily maintain forests but showed resistance to participation in formal Social Forestry programmes. The study aimed to identify motivations and underlying reasons of community preferences, guided by two research questions: (i) how did local people value forest landscapes? and (ii) how did those values interact with externally driven Social Forestry programmes? We applied the Relational Values concept to understand a community's relations with the forest (or its elements) and land and identified points of value divergence. Data collection involved in‐depth semi‐structured interviews, focus group discussions framed by the principles of Appreciative Inquiry, participant observation and land use/land cover change analysis. Our findings show that people value their forests in relation to their identity, ancestral heritage, sense of place and spiritual values. We also identified the points of value divergence and their underlying reasons of resistance towards externally driven forestry programmes. This study thus contributes to the broader conceptualisation of values in conservation and community participation by providing empirical evidence on the importance of the Relational Values framework in understanding the motivation and behaviour of nature stewardship and in the evaluation of value conflicts. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN HUTAN KEMASYARAKATAN DENGAN POLA AGROFORESTRY DI DESA RANA KOLONG KECAMATAN KOTA KOMBA KABUPATEN MANGGARAI TIMUR

Forest is a stretch of land with a certain area that is overgrown with trees and other plants. Forests have functions as production forests, conservation forests and protection forests. Through the Ministry of Environment and Forestry held a Social Forestry program to improve the welfare of communities around the forest through a pattern of empowerment and remain guided by aspects of forest sustainability and in the form of Village Forests, Community Forests, Community Plantation Forests, Customary Forests and Partnership Forest. Communty Forests activities are only applied in protected forest areas and production forests.
 The purpose of the study was to determine the Communty Forests development strategy and agroforestry pattern in Rana Kolong Village, Komba City District, East Manggarai Regency which was carried out for 3 months from August - October 2020. The Communty Forests development strategy with agroforestry patterns in Rana Kolong village was formulated using SWOT analysis. SWOT analysis is a strategic planning method to evaluate the factors that influence efforts to achieve goals, namely comparing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The level of community dependence on forests is very high, as evidenced by the large number of people who have arable land in forest areas with cultivation of Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), Avocado (Persea americana), Candlenut (Aleurites moluccanus), Cocoa (Theobroma cacao), Coconut (Cocous nucifera). , Areca nut (Areca cetechu), Aren (Arenga pinnata), Bamboo (Bambuseae), Coffee (Coffea), Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas), Cassava (Manihot esculenta), Porang (Amorphopallus muelleri), White Teak (Gmelina arborea), Sengon (Albizia chinensis) and Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni).
 The results showed that the strategy recommendation obtained to improve the Communty Forests development strategy with an agroforestry pattern in the research area was the SO (Strenghts-Opportunities) strategy, namely by using opportunities to take advantage of existing strengths with activities such as increasing community participation in managing and supporting the utilization of Communty Forests with a pattern. agroforestry, increasing the government's role in the development of local and non-local plants, compiling a management plan for the use of Communty Forests areas to develop wood and non-timber plant species in accordance with Communty Forests land conditions, seeing legal support on Communty Forests as a reference material.

Analisis Partisipasi Masyarakat dalam Program Perhutanan Sosial (Studi Kasus di Kabupaten Sanggau Propinsi Kalimantan Barat)

Participation is one of the benchmarks for the success of the Community Forestry program, a development program in the forestry sector that provides access and increases the community’s capacity in managing state forests. This research aims to analyze the level of community participation in managing state forests in the Community Forestry scheme. The participation level was measured on three stages of activity (planning, implementation, and evaluation) using the Arnstein participation concept. Data were collected using in-depth interview techniques, distributing questionnaires, and document reviews. The data analysis employs a qualitative descriptive analysis approach and non-parametric statistics. The participation forms include contributions of thoughts, ideas, suggestions, contributions of energy in planning, implementation, and evaluation activities. This research suggests that the participation level in the study area is in the delegated power stage, through projects/activities carried out by outsiders to achieve specific goals. The Hkm in Sanggau Regency was initiated and facilitated by various parties with intensive and sustainable empowerment activities.

Reterritorialization of Community Forestry: Scientific Forest Management in the Terai and Chure Region of Nepal.

Nepal's community forestry is an example of a decentralized, participatory and autonomous development model. However, recent community forestry practices informed by the concept of scientific forestry in resource-rich and commercially lucrative Terai regions of Nepal have reversed community forestry gains. Scientific forestry, enforced through the Department of Forest has reproduced frontier power dynamics creating reterritorialization of community forestry through commercialization. Discouraging subsistence utilization and increasing commodification of high-value timber resources have been crucial in reconfiguring forest authority and territorial control. Moreover, the Scientific Forestry Programs have informally institutionalized rent-seeking practices at the local level. A local level, power nexus has developed among forest officials, contractors and community elites that systematically undermine local participation, allocation of resources for subsistence livelihoods and local autonomy. In effect, scientific forestry is recentralizing forest authority by legitimizing territorial control and the elite accumulation of benefits.

Forestry Partnership as an Alternative for Settlement of Forestry Disputes in Indonesia

This study examines the forestry partnership, which is one of the government's social forestry programs. This forestry partnership program focuses on community empowerment and provides an alternative to the frequent occurrence of forestry disputes in forest utilization and/or management areas. Forestry Partnership includes the state and its people in an agreement with stipulations that each side must meet and implement. However, there is an unequal bargaining stance (bargaining power) between the state and its citizens, and this is one of the causes of disputes. This study is a descriptive normative legal study. Secondary data are utilized in this study, i.e., data that is not gathered directly from the field or the community, but rather through literature review by evaluating and analyzing books, journals, and internet data. The forest partnership agreement between LMDH Banyurip Lestari and KPH Surakarta is a manifestation of the employment of civil law instruments, according to the findings of this legal study. As a result, the government's position as a representative of a legal entity is identical to that of a person or civil legal entity in general, which is subject to civil legislation and can take actions in the civil sector, which in this case are carried out by KPH Surakarta as a legal entity .Thus, the fairness aspect of this forestry partnership agreement has been met, as the actions taken by the government in the forestry partnership agreement are an exercise of authority as a government organ that is also bound by juridical provisions, incorporates general principles of good governance, and effectively functions as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism in the field of forest utilization and/or management.

IMPACT OF AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS: A REVIEW

Agroforestry is a collective name of all agricultural processes related to the scientificmanagement of land that increases overall production under different manners. The security of our natural resources is decreasing every day, these processes will increase the pressure on natural forests andagriculture. We are staying on the stage where we have to take a hard decision to conserve our naturalresources and their sustainability. In this context, agroforestry makes sure a scientific solution to all theseproblems which provide a vast series of good public services. Under this review paper, we discussed variousenvironmental services and conclude that the incorporation of native tree species on farmland can diversifies the farm income and promote maximum use of land. While, Nutrient pumping is one of the best intangibleenvironmental services of the agroforestry system in which productivity of land can be utilized sharply, atthe same time agroforestry boosts the soil health in the course of decomposition of raw materials.Biodiversity and Carbon sequestration in agroforestry systems is typically higher than in conventionalagricultural systems. Two or more interacting plant species in a given area create a more complex habitatthat can support a wider variety of fauna. Tree cover accounts for more than 75% of the global carbon pool.Agroforestry can significantly contribute to climate change mitigation along with adaptation benefits.Adoption of agroforestry drove carbon storage and increased livelihoods simultaneously among small-scalefarmers. Agroforestry has a wide range of systems and practices, with their selection and use-dependent onecological, biophysical, and social factors. The main focus of agroforestry is to meet the needs of rural peoplein developing countries in a sustainable manner. Its growth and implementation have been closely linkedwith social and community forestry programs in developing countries.

Assessment of carbon sequestration potential of tropical tree species for urban forestry in India

Urban, peri urban and patch forests play a critical role in climate change mitigation through increased carbon storage and for that, it is imperative to assess the species response in an eco-region to recommend a potentially higher carbon sequestering species. In urban settings, green spaces, in particular, trees play a vital role in preserving biodiversity, reducing the impact of urban heat islands, enhancing the hydrological cycle, as well as sequestering carbon. When introduced in urban greening projects, native species provide better ecosystem services, conserve and maintain biodiversity more sustainably than exotic species. However, fewer efforts are being made to evaluate the carbon sequestration potential of native tropical tree species in urban greening initiatives. The present study aims to assess the biomass production and carboxylation efficiency of three native tropical tree species to identify the high carbon sequestering species, which will enhance the carbon stocks under urban green spaces. Above ground biomass, carbon stock and physiological performance of three native tropical tree species (Tectona grandis, Mallotus nudiflorus and Syzygium cumini) were measured in Botanical Garden of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow for eight years old tree stands. Above ground biomass (AGB, Mg/ha) was measured using a non-destructive method by applying allometric equations. Tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH) and leaf area index (LAI) was maximum in T. grandis stand (10.43 m, 29.21 cm, 1.95, respectively). Maximum AGB (71.94 Mg/ha) and carbon stock (25.54 Mg/ha) was observed in T. grandis plantations among the three tree stands. T. grandis stand also had maximum litter fall (5.82 Mg/ha). Highest diurnal photosynthesis rate, water use efficiency and stomatal conductance were also observed in T. grandis stand. However, maximum photosynthetic rate was observed in Mallotus nudiflorus. One way ANOVA revealed significant differences (p < 0.001) in AGB, carbon stock and physiological parameters among the three species. Pearson's Correlation matrix established the positive relationship between growth performance and physiological traits of species with their capacity to sequester carbon. T. grandis can be promoted for urban greening projects for achieving carbon sequestration targets with short time span, however plantation of mixed native species will provide better delivery of all ecosystem services in sustainable mode. Results from the present study shed light on the patterns of carbon sequestration by these species, which in turn will help in the decision-making process for sustainable urban greening. Further, more tropical species can be assessed for their biomass and carbon capture capacities to determine the best species matrix for plantations to enhance carbon storage and develop climate resilient greenbelt under urban landscape forestry programs.

Evaluasi Kinerja Pelaksanaan Program Pembangunan Kehutanan dalam RPHJP di KPH Kayu Tangi

The implementation of forestry development programs must be evaluated to achieve the targets that have been set during the forestry development implementation period. This study aims to determine the performance of forestry development and improvement strategies for implementing forestry development in the Long Term Forest Management Plan (LTFMP) in Forest Management Units (FMU). The data sources of this research are secondary data and primary data in the form of Tangi Timber Forest Management Unit (LTFMP) Long Term Management Plan (FMU) and interviews using a SWOT questionnaire. The data analysis technique used is program evaluation, namely comparing the plan with the realization of the implementation of forestry development and then analyzing with the Minister of Home Affairs Regulation No. 86 of 2017 to measure the performance interval in its implementation. And a SWOT analysis to determine strategies for improvement in the implementation of forestry development.This study indicates that the implementation of the forestry development program results in a predicate or achievement in 8 (eight) programs selected based on what can be measured in general that the implementation is still not optimal, so an improvement strategy is needed in its implementation. And for the improvement strategy, it is found that the most appropriate according to the circumstances is the S-O strategy, which is to use strength to take advantage of opportunities so that they can make targeted improvement policies.

Comparative Analysis of Leguminous and Non-Leguminous Tree species in terms of Leaf Chemistry and Nutrient Cycling

The present study aimed to analyse the rhizospheric soils of leguminous ( Dalbergia sissoo, and Tamarindus indica ), and non-leguminous ( Mangifera indica, and Ficus benghalensis ) tree species and their leaf pigment concentration in a natural forest of Ranchi in pre-monsoon (February 2020), and post-monsoon (November 2019) seasons. Soil nutrient status was better during the post-monsoon season, while leaf pigment concentration was higher during the pre-monsoon season. Again, soil nutrient status was better in rhizospheric soils of legumes as compared to the non-legumes. SOC (%) was quite high in the rhizospheric soil of leguminous trees that ranged from 0.75-0.86 % during pre-monsoon, and 0.88-0.92% during post-monsoon seasons. The highest SOC (%) was found in rhizospheric soils of D. sissoo (0.92±0.04), lowest BD (1.08±0.11 gm cm -3 ) in rhizospheric soils of M. indica, while AN (kg ha -1 ), and TKN (%) both were highest in rhizospheric soils of T. indica (AN: 470.68±50.53, TKN: 0.42±0.09) during post-monsoon season. On the other hand, pigment concentration (mg gm -1 ) including chlorophyll a, b, total chl, and total carotenoids were highest in leaves of M. indica (Chl A: 1.15±0.04, Chl B: 0.82±0.01, total Chl: 1.71±0.04, and total carotenoids: 30.61±0.87) in pre-monsoon season. Rhizospheric soil nutrient status of legumes was better during both the pre-and post-monsoon seasons in comparison to non-legumes. Leguminous tree species are very important from an ecological point of view in terms of their nutrient recycling efficiency and photosynthetic ability. Therefore, it can be suggested for afforestation, and social forestry programs for sustainable ecological development as they can easily grow under natural conditions without any extra care.

Collaborative Governance Pentahelix Model in Building Commerce Institutions for Coffee Agroforestry in West Java

The challenge of implementing the Social Forestry Program is how to involve all stakeholders in the development of the three social forestry management areas, namely: institutional management, forest area management and business management. Doing so would enable the main objectives of the program to be achieved, specifically promoting the sustainability of the forests and prosperous communities. An initial survey was conducted which showed that the leading commodity of social forestry, which is coffee agroforestry, has not had a significant impact on the welfare of farmers. In addition, the related parties in the agroforestry coffee trade system have not been optimally involved in realizing the independence of the Forest Farmer Group (KTH), especially in managing their businesses. This study aimed to identify and analyze these problems, so as to provide alternative solutions in improving the governance of agroforestry coffee businesses in West Java Province, based on the pentahelix model of collaborative governance. The researchers sought to identify the inhibiting and supporting factors of collaboration as well as the role of stakeholders, so that a more effective collaboration model could be formed. This study used qualitative methods with a descriptive participatory approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, field reviews and document analysis. According to the findings, to collaborate in establishing governance institutions for the coffee agroforestry trade in West Java, the government is expected to involve the private sector, academia/universities, civil society/NGOs and the mass media. Each stakeholder has a key role in synergizing their duties, functions and authorities. It was identified that the main keys to collaborative governance are effective communication, optimal multi-stakeholder participation and strong leadership. The interaction between the pentahelix stakeholders can be used as a collaborative governance model in building agroforestry coffee business governance institutions in West Java Province, which can then be replicated throughout Indonesia, and become an alternative policy in developing social forestry business management in the future.&#x0D; Keywords: social forestry, collaborative governance, pentahelix stakeholder, agroforestry coffee

Dampak program perhutanan sosial terhadap pertumbuhan usaha dan deforestasi: bukti empiris dari Indonesia

Since 2015 the Government of Indonesia has targeted ​​12.7 hectares land reform through the social forestry program (SFP).This paper traces village SFP beneficiaries and compares them to villages that have forests that did not receive SFP on the three islands of Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi in Indonesia. The empirical analysis used the Instrumental variable method and in-depth interviews. The findings of this study indicate that the existence of SFPs has not had a significant impact on the growth in the number of businesses and deforestation in both protected and production forests zone. The reason due to limited land due to restrictions on post-determination of social forests, the entrepreneurial capacity of forest managers, not yet integrated SFP with village programs, and low capital and utilization of forest product processing technology. Meanwhile, SFPhas not yet had an impact on deforestation because of the low quality of forest management planning and policy interventions related to forest planting in critical land that hasn’tbeen optimal yet.

PARTISIPASI MASYARAKAT DI SEKITAR HUTAN DALAM PROGRAM PERHUTANAN SOSIAL

The purpose of this study was to identify the implementation of the Social Forestry (SF) Program at the HKm Forest Farmer Group in Balusu District, Barru Regency, identify and analyze the level of community participation around the forest in the implementation of the social forestry program at the HKm Forest Farmer Group in Balusu District, Barru Regency and analyze the factors involved influencing the participation of communities around the forest in the implementation of SF programs at the HKm Forest Farmer Group in Balusu District, Barru Regency.This research was conducted. The research location was carried out in Balusu District, Barru Regency, South Sulawesi Province in the SF Program at the KTH HKm Sero and Sarewe Groups. While the time needed to conduct this research is 2 (two) months, namely August to September 2020. The population in this study were all members of KTH HKm in Balusu Subdistrict totaling 82 people, consisting of 45 KTH Sero, and KTH Sarewe. as many as 37 people. The sampling method was carried out by using the census method or taking all members of the HKm forest farmer group in Balusu District.The research data analysis method is using the method of effectiveness analysis, qualitative descriptive analysis, percentage analysis and multiple linear analysis.Therefore, to increase community participation in the management of hkm in Balusu sub-district, new regency, it is hoped that farmer groups need to be more active in assisting the government through the Forestry Service in developing Community Forestry (HKm) development programs in Balusu District, Barru Regency.

Analisis Ekonomi Politik Agraria dalam Akses Hutan di Wilayah Perhutani Melalui Program Perhutanan Sosial

The Social Forestry program in Perhutani-managed forest areas aims to improve the welfare of the community through jointmanagement and promote sustainability. The program uses the Partnership Cooperation (Kulin KK) scheme, which is regulated by theMinister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. P 83 of 2016. However, this program has become a new conflict zone as variousactors are competing to dominate forest use. Women, who have allocated more time and energy to the agricultural sector, now havefew opportunities to be involved in forest management because of gender biases within the governance and implementation of theSocial Forestry program. Women also have to compete with various parties in order to participate in forest management includingPerhutani and the Forest Village Community Institution (Lembaga Masyarakat Desa Hutan—LMDH), the party authorised to manageforest utilization programs.

Improved Coffee Management by Farmers in State Forest Plantations in Indonesia: An Experimental Platform

The Indonesian state forest managers have accepted farmer-managed coffee agroforestry in their estates as part of their social forestry program. Access by local farming communities to state-owned plantation forestry supports public motivation to maintain forest cover. However, balancing the expectations and needs of forest managers with those of the local farming communities is not easy. Coffee yields in Indonesia are lower than those of neighboring countries, suggesting that there is scope for improvement. Here we describe an experimental research platform developed through an international collaboration between the Universitas Brawijaya (UB), the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH), and smallholder coffee farmers to explore options for improving pine-coffee agroforestry systems within existing regulations. Located in a former state-owned pine production forest on the slopes of the stratovolcano, Mount Arjuna, in the Malang Regency of East Java, the research platform has seven instrumented research plots (40 × 60 m2), where agronomic practices can be trialed. The aim of the platform is to support the development of sustainable agronomic practices to improve the profitability of coffee agroforestry and thus the livelihood of low-income rural communities. Current trials are focused on improving coffee yields and include pine canopy trimming, fertilizers, and coffee pruning trials, with links to the development of socio-economic and environmental models. Whilst it is too early to assess the full impacts on yields, a survey of farmers demonstrated a positive attitude to canopy pruning, although with some concern over labor cost. The initial ecosystem modelling has highlighted the benefits of coffee agroforestry in balancing environmental and economic benefits. Here we provide a detailed description of the site, the current trials, and the modelling work, with the hope of highlighting opportunities for future collaboration and innovation.