The role of the social forestry programs in increasing farmers' income and conserving forests in the Upstream Citarum Watershed, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

This paper examines the implementation of Social Forestry programs in the Upstream Citarum – West Java, Indonesia. The paper utilizes the data set of the Farm Household Survey undertaken in the Bandung and West Bandung districts. A critical review was carried out on farmers who participated or did not participate in the forest management program by examining variables such as: access to land, ratio of farm incomes, conservation practices, and perceptions toward the program. Data were collected from individual interviews of 499 farm-households within two districts. Using descriptive statistical analysis, the results show that social forestry programs have provided economic, social, and environmental benefits for farmers in the area. The programs have improved community and farmers's access to forestry land and increased household's incomes from the farm sector. Strengthening and empowering farmers, supported by government and other stakeholders are key for sustainability of the program.