Agroforestry extension needs for land rehabilitation in East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

This study was conducted to provide baseline information on agroforestry extension needs to supportthe successful of agroforestry project goals for land rehabilitation in East Sumba. Results from thisbaseline study are expected to facilitate the implementation of those approaches in the next 2-3 years,specifically in Haharu subdistrict (the most degraded landscape in East Sumba), and generally in EastSumba district. Survey was conducted via focus group discussions (FGD) with communities in 3villages in Haharu subdistrict (Wunga, Rambangaru and Kadahang), and with subdistrict extensionagents, to collect information on agroforestry extension needs and barriers in land rehabilitation inHaharu subdistrict. Additionally interview with key stakeholders was also conducted with localgovernment agencies (Dinas Pertanian, Dinas Perkebunan and Dinas Kehutanan) and non governmentagencies (Wahana Visi Indonesia, Yayasan Tananua and Lutheran World Relief), to receive inputs onbarriers for land rehabilitation in Haharu subdistrict and potentials type of agroforestry extensionactivities that can be linked to their current programs. Results showed that barriers in land rehabilitationmostly related to limited water resources, poor soil fertility, cattle disturbance, fire, limited facilitationto ensure the sustainability of tree planting program, and limited quality seedlings. Based on thoseidentified barriers, agroforestry extension needs are identified and discussed in this paper. Agroforestryfarmer field school is a key option of extension approach that is requested by farmers to enhance theirknowledge and capacity to manage their garden and for land rehabilitation in Haharu subdistrict.Integrated with the agroforestry farmer field school, demonstration trials on agroforestry are expectedto be established in each sub village in the next 2-3 years as an interactive media to learn aboutagroforestry practices that can help to rehabilitate land in Haharu. Type of agroforestry system that canbe developed in the demonstration trials can be assessed from combination of priority species thatfarmers are interested in. Extension agents and farmers need to work collaboratively and intensively toensure farmer participation and learning during planning, establishment and management of thedemonstration trials.

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5716/WP16078.PDF

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