The development opportunity of cassava farming under perennial crops to support food security in forest community

¹ Research Centre for Macroeconomics and Finance, National Research and Innovation Agency – BRIN, Jakarta 12710, Indonesia
² Research Centre for Behavioural and Circular Economics, National Research and Innovation Agency – BRIN, Jakarta 12710, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: dian.elisabeth21@gmail.com

Abstract

The increased demand of cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz.) in Indonesia is not supported by production because cassava cultivated in marginal land has low productivity. The study aimed to determine the potential, opportunities, and constraints of developing cassava in intercropping pattern with the early-aged perennial crops as the main crops. The research was conducted during the 2016 planting season. Areas representing the potential of cassava farming under the stands of perennial crops were Blora, Central Java Province (under the stands of teak or Tectona grandis), North Lampung, Lampung Province (under the stands of rubber or Hevea brasiliensis) and Barito Koala, South Kalimantan Province (under the stands of oil palm or Elaeis guineensis Jacq). The number of respondents were 30 farmers for each location. The survey was conducted using the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method. The study showed that cassava farming was technically feasible to be intercropped with perennial crops (teak, rubber, and oil palm). Cassava farming under the stands of perennial crops was also financially feasible as indicated by the benefit cost ratio of more than 1. The prospect of cassava development is in an aggressive growth phase located in the business map area (quadrant I).