1 DUDUKUHAN TREE FARMING SYSTEMS IN WEST JAVA: HOW TO MOBILIZE THE SELF-INTEREST OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS?

Dudukuhan are traditional tree farming systems in West Java, Indonesia. Dudukuhan can be divided into 4 types: 1) timber system, 2) mixed fruit-timber-banana-annual crops system, 3) mixed fruit-timber system, and 4) fallow system. Traditionally all types of dudukuhan are managed on an extractive basis, few inputs (quality germplasm, fertilizers, labor, etc) are allocated to these systems. This management approach is caused by: limited land tenure, small land size, off-farm employment opportunities, limited market access, and farmers’ limited experience with intensive tree management. Depending on the socioeconomic conditions and market opportunities facing a farmer, the allocation of a specific piece of land may shift between the four types of dudukuhan. This transformation occurs gradually over a number of years and affects the tree biodiversity and total number of trees in the system. A desire for tree products, market opportunities and land tenure status are the key factors that influence farmers ’ decision concerning which type of dudukuhan to develop. Positive changes in these factors have a positive influence on tree biodiversity and tree density. Income generation is the primary factor influencing farmers ’ choice of tree species. Soil conservation is a secondary but important factor influencing both choices of dudukuhan and tree species. Farmers are interested in intensifying the management of their dudukuhans, but hesitate because they do not know where to focus their efforts. Experience indicates that farmers in Nanggung may be best served by transforming their traditional subsistence tree farming systems into semi-commercial enterprises that yield products to meet both home and market demand. Agriculture and forestry extension officer in district level, subdistrict government, NGOs and research institutes can facilitate this process by providing access to quality inputs, training and information. However, the driving force should be farmers ’ self-interest to improve their livelihoods