Agro-forestry model to improve local livelihoods in coastal lands
Indonesia has a large area of coastal lands and the length of the coastline of the Indonesian Archipelago is about 99.093 km. In coastal areas, beach vegetation is essential to sustain biodiversity, especially for native species and contribute to local livelihood. However, numerous factors (e.g. strong sea winds, high salt content and vapour) have severe impacts on the growth of vegetation species in salinity lands. By considering socio-economic and ecological aspects, it is very critical to maintain beach vegetation at a certain scale and seek appropriate restoration techniques in Indonesia.
A research project on “rehabilitation of coastal land with food and energy species: Tacca (Tacca leontopetaloides) and malapari (Pongamia pinnata) on the agro-forestry system”, is one of the funded research projects under the APFNet Small Research Grant was implemented by Ms Ratna Uli Damayant Sianturi’s team at the end of 2020. The research project aimed at exploring a forestry-based livelihood solution - the agroforestry model - to strengthen coastal rehabilitation.
More details about the findings of this research project can be found in the following linkages:
1. The initial growth of tacca (Tacca leotopetaloides) as food crops in the agroforestry pattern with malapari;
2. The community’s perception and attitude toward Malapari (Pongamia pinnata) as a biofuel: A case study in Patutrjo Village, Purworejo Regency.
A research project on “rehabilitation of coastal land with food and energy species: Tacca (Tacca leontopetaloides) and malapari (Pongamia pinnata) on the agro-forestry system”, is one of the funded research projects under the APFNet Small Research Grant was implemented by Ms Ratna Uli Damayant Sianturi’s team at the end of 2020. The research project aimed at exploring a forestry-based livelihood solution - the agroforestry model - to strengthen coastal rehabilitation.
Photo: Taca processing practice training
In addition, the specific objectives of the research include guaranteeing the availability of tacca seeds, selection of tacca plant species, promotion of tacca seedlings and its cultivation intercropping with energy-producing plants (e.g. Malapari) to help increase the family income of the local community, bridge their knowledge gap and promote sustainable forest management on the seashores. This project focused on “food security” through tacca cultivation and production to promote the concept of forest restoration among local communities, but there is still a need for more biofuel research in Indonesia soon.
Photo: Tacca tuber size difference
More details about the findings of this research project can be found in the following linkages:
1. The initial growth of tacca (Tacca leotopetaloides) as food crops in the agroforestry pattern with malapari;
2. The community’s perception and attitude toward Malapari (Pongamia pinnata) as a biofuel: A case study in Patutrjo Village, Purworejo Regency.
