Ecosystem Services of Indigenous Kaliwu Agroforestry System in Sumba, Indonesia

¹ Environment and Forestry Research and Development Institute of Kupang, Kupang 85115 Indonesia
² Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia

Abstract

Agroforestry is an environmentally friendly land resource management applied by farmers in various countries. The differences in ethnicity, geography, biophysical environment, and socio-economic background influence the application of this agricultural model, known as indigenous agroforestry. However, information on the management and ecosystem services of indigenous agroforestry in semi-arid ecosystems is not widely known. This research examined the management and provision of service for the Indigenous Kaliwu Agroforestry System (IKAS) on Sumba island. It was carried out in the Central Sumba regency using survey and observation methods in 70 sample units of farmer households distributed in 7 villages. Data were collected through interviews and observations on IKAS management initiatives, including provision services for foodstuff, fuelwood, timbers, and fodders. The results showed that IKAS is a local initiative model for the management of flora biodiversity through the replication of natural forest models in traditional cultivation environments. This is reflected by the plant’s biodiversity developed at IKAS, including endemic and cultural keystone species. The development of various plant species has implications for the provision services for foodstuff in form of tubers and fruits, fuelwood, timbers, and fodder. In addition, IKAS plays a role in supporting sustainable dryland management, biodiversity conservation, and farmers’ livelihoods. This research recommends that the optimization of the IKAS role for community livelihoods and environmental conservation be carried out through the support of its development policies by local government in Sumba.