Mahogany and Kadam planting farmers in South Kalimantan: the link between Silvicultural activity and stand quality

Background

Incentive structures in Indonesia have promoted forest plantations conducted and managed in partnership with local farmers. This paper examines the relationship between farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, silvicultural activity and the quality of their mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and kadam (Anthocephalus/Neolamarkia cadamba) plantation stands in two independent case study villages in South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia.

Research goals & methods

Data on farmers’ socio-economic characteristics and silvicultural practices were collected and analyzed by village. Mahogany planters with larger areas planted carried out more silvicultural practices. Kadam planters who had joined the farmers’ group earliest had favorable attitudes towards tree planting, and those whose households included more members gaining income were more active in silvicultural management. Approximately half of the studied mahogany and kadam plantations were of high quality. Most of the farmers conducted the recommended silvicultural practices, but this alone did not of itself cause the variation in the quality of stands. Pruning timing and recovery time after pruning, however, had an effect on the volume of potentially merchantable wood on medium quality mahogany sites.

Conclusions & takeaways

The policy implications drawn from this research include that farmers need to be provided with: (a) incentives to plant species with identified markets with reasonable price; (b) motivated extension officers; (c) improved access to production inputs; and (d) structures and mechanisms to assist them to organize and to develop activities, such as joint marketing. Further research is required on timing, frequency and methods used for the silviculture in order to improve the quality of stands.