Contribution of Dusun Agroforestry to Household Income on Ambon Island, Indonesia

Dusun agroforestry on Ambon Island plays an essential role ecologically and socioeconomically. This type of agroforestry contributes not only to household income but also to daily necessities for the owners and neighbors or relatives. The aims of the study were (1) to analyze the contribution value of dusun agroforestry to the total income and the fulfillment of the minimum standard of physical needs (KFM) and standard requirement for a decent living (KHL) of the households of dusun owners, and (2) to determine the minimum land size for dusun agroforestry in order to meet the needs for decent living standards. Sampling was conducted purposively in three villages, namely Halong, Amahusu and Soya. Soya is located in a mountainous area while Holong and Amahusu are situated along the Bay of Ambon. Based on the results of the plantation survey and interviews with the owners, there were ten species of dominant plants that contributed to the household income of the dusun owners. Cloves and nutmeg contributed the highest income among the other commodities. The contribution of dusun agroforestry in Soya village enabled the households to meet their minimum living standards. However, the dusun agroforestry in the three villages had not been able to meet the requirements for a decent living standard. To reach the level of a decent living, the minimum land areas required were 4.13, 3.62, and 2.17 ha for each household in Halong, Amahusu and Soya villages, respectively. Arenga pinnata had the potential to increase household income in addition to biodiversity conservation purposes