The Change of Plant Species Composition and Plant Pattern on Management of Damar Agroforestry

Abstract

The changes in the composition of plant species and cropping patterns have occurred in the management of Damar agroforest in Desa Kesugihan, Lampung Selatan. There are some reasons that farmers consider to make decisions in choosing plant species and cropping patterns. This study aimed to identify the reasons of farmers in the decision making of plant species selection and cropping pattern on agroforestry management of damar. Primary data collection was conducted by using an in-depth interview method on seven key informants and participant observation. The collected data is qualitative data and analyzed descriptively based on the real-life choice theory by Gladwin. The results showed that there was a change of plant species composition and cropping pattern on resin agroforestry to become cocoa agroforestry. This is affected by income, production continuity, gestation period, ease of maintenance and harvest, local knowledge and tolerance of the main plant to be planted with another crop. The dominant crop pattern was a combination of cocoa as the main plant with cengkeh, petai, tangkil, and durian. Another crop pattern was a combination between resin as the main plant species with cengkeh, durian, coconut, and petai. Comprehension and contribution from related stakeholders in the development of community forestry are fully needed to support sustainable agroforestry management.

Keywords: agroforestry of Damar, decision making, plant composition, plant species selection, cropping pattern