Department of Agricultural Education & Studies

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Graduate Programs: Greg Miller 515-294-2583 / Undergraduate Programs: Mike Retallick 515-294-4810

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Graduate Student Scholarly Work

Mamun. (1998). Social forestry program in the Majalengka forest district, West Java, Indonesia. Doctoral dissertation.

Population pressures on forests in Java are causing unacceptable effects on soil and water resources, and short-term output of food.  Farmers need land to grow food and the government needs forest to grow timber and protect water resources.  Social forestry is thought to sustain food, fiber and timber production and conserve soil, and water resources.  A study was conducted in the Majalengka forest district, West Java, Indonesia to evaluate the efficiency and adoptability of a social forestry program including its associated extension services.  The study objectives were: 1) to identify characteristics of farmers who participate in the social forestry program (SFP), 2) to assess agroforestry systems being practiced by farmers in the SFP, 3) to develop ‘idea,’ efficient agroforestry system models, 4) to assess the extension services as perceived by farmers, 5) to determine factors influencing the adoptability of new agroforestry technology, and 6) to improve the agroforestry extension program to ensure success of the SFP.

Data were collected in 1996 - 1997 from the Majalengka forest district personnel and a sample of 101 forestry farmers who are participating in the SFP.  The economics of the agroforestry systems at eight study sites were evaluated.  Adoption models of new agroforestry techniques thought to sustain the farm families and environment were developed.  The extension program was evaluated in terms of the context, input, and process approach. Adoption models of new agroforestry techniques were predicted by regression analysis.

Farmers joined the SFP because they need additional family income and land.  Based on net present value, the agroforestry systems in operation were 10x more profitable for the farmer and the government company (Perum Perhutani) than a timber only production system.  Farmers attended four formal extension meetings each year, but preferred one-on-one consultations with group leaders, friends, and SFP staff to obtain desired technical information. Farmers were mostly satisfied with the extension program and personnel, but also wanted more respect from extension personnel.  Farmers expected future improvements in extension programming and prefer group tours, skill contests, movies, and internships to other extension delivery methods.  Adoption models of: 1) increasing area devoted to recommend crops/trees, 2) implementing multi purpose trees, 3) reducing herbicides, and 4) giving credit for animal/green manure were developed.  Farmers generally accepted the social forestry extension program, but desire improvements in marketing assistance and credit provided by the extension program.  Improvements are needed in the rate of adoption of recommended crop/tree combinations, an increase in the use of crops/trees that increase soil fertility, and a reduction in the rate of herbicide application.