Problems on global warming, food security and water shortage necessitate a second look on the forest resources of the tropics. In the past, practices of cropping in between trees brought conflict between farmers and forest authorities in Indonesia. This resulted in a shift in planting of trees on farms managed by farmers for their own purposes. This has become a trend in Indonesia in response to increasing demand for forest products and the decrease in supply from natural forest, says a report from the World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF). Currently, there is recognition for the agroforest tradition in farming, and more evidence and outcome-based rewards for environmental services which can resolve conflicts, reduce poverty and improve the environment, according to ICRAF. An example is the Sumber Jaya (West Lampung) landscape which used to be a hot spot of conflicts between forestry authorities and farmers. These have now been largely resolved and about 70% of the forest margin is covered by agreements between coffee farmers and local government. Thus, forests in Indonesia are again teeming with coffee farms, fruit and timber trees. Incentives are also given to farmers who take measures to control sediment load to the river.

Similar strategies have also been conducted in Thailand, Vietnam, China, and the Philippines. Dr. Meine van Noordwijk, ICRAF regional coordinator believes that, “it is important for a dialogue between farmers and forest authorities to become evidence-based and realistic, and that the basis for farmer involvement is voluntary, based on clear information, secure land tenure, and that the conditions of contracts are negotiated”.

For details, see press release at: http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/af1/index.php?id=59&NewsID=831752B7-A3A0-48ED-9B30-F1C5767A1CDB.