The Lembo System: A Model for Agroforestry in Dipterocarp Forest Ecosystems of East Kalimantan

background

This article describes the Lembo system of agroforestry, a traditional practice by the Dayak people in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. In Lembo gardens, around 127 species of woody plants are cultivated, and up to 40 different species can be found per 0.25 ha 90% of which are trees. In those gardens, there is also a large diversity of wild, uncultivated plants.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The most and indigenous species, with some exotics, and the common families are Anacardiaceae, Bombacaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Euparbiaceae, Meliaceae, Moraceae, Sapindaceae, Palmae and Rubiaceae. Traditionally, the cultivators of the Lembo system were able to occupy land if no one was using it; however, this practice has become more difficult with recent governmental requirements of certification of ownership. The author asserts that the Lembo system is both ecologically and socioeconomically valuable, and it should be considered and encouraged by land-use planners seeking sustainable management and forest restoration.