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

Abstract

This study was conducted to provide baseline information on agroforestry extension needs to support the successful of agroforestry project goals for land rehabilitation in East Sumba. Results from this baseline 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 East Sumba district. Survey was conducted via focus group discussions (FGD) with communities in 3 villages in Haharu subdistrict (Wunga, Rambangaru and Kadahang), and with subdistrict extension agents, to collect information on agroforestry extension needs and barriers in land rehabilitation in Haharu subdistrict. Additionally interview with key stakeholders was also conducted with local government agencies (Dinas Pertanian, Dinas Perkebunan and Dinas Kehutanan) and non government agencies (Wahana Visi Indonesia, Yayasan Tananua and Lutheran World Relief), to receive inputs on barriers for land rehabilitation in Haharu subdistrict and potentials type of agroforestry extension activities that can be linked to their current programs. Results showed that barriers in land rehabilitation mostly related to limited water resources, poor soil fertility, cattle disturbance, fire, limited facilitation to ensure the sustainability of tree planting program, and limited quality seedlings. Based on those identified barriers, agroforestry extension needs are identified and discussed in this paper. Agroforestry farmer field school is a key option of extension approach that is requested by farmers to enhance their knowledge 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 expected to be established in each sub village in the next 2-3 years as an interactive media to learn about agroforestry practices that can help to rehabilitate land in Haharu. Type of agroforestry system that can be developed in the demonstration trials can be assessed from combination of priority species that farmers are interested in. Extension agents and farmers need to work collaboratively and intensively to ensure farmer participation and learning during planning, establishment and management of the demonstration trials