Evaluation of non-timber forest product species as potential elements of agroforestry systems

摘要

Eastern Indonesia's high biological and cultural diversity is reflected in diverse and dynamic agroforestry systems. Systematic evaluation of non-timber forest products produced from agroforestry systems can identify those that could generate returnsto help lift rural families out of poverty. What are the characteristics of 'winning products'? Which of these can be linked to Fairtrade or certification to reach selected markets? These are important questions at a time when farm income is in decline in West Timor and in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) generally for a variety of reasons, including technological change, low commodity prices and globalisation. Although farm income is in decline, agriculture and agroforestry are still the main sources of totalhousehold income for rural households, followed by income from marine resources. On drier islands, agriculture contributes a much smaller component of household income. Two off-farm sources are crucial to many households: first, income from the processing and sale of non-timber forest products (such as from palm species, kutu lak and woven textiles); and second, remittances from emigrants commonly working in Malaysia and the Middle East (particularly Saudi Arabia). The income share from handicrafts is higher on drier islands such as West Timor, Sumba, Lembata and Rote. Commercial trade in the higher value non-timber forest products in NTT, such as sandalwood and gaharu (Aquilaria resin), has a very long history, often characterised by overexploitationof wild populations and market control by well-connected traders. In some cases species have been added to agroforestry systems for social, economic and cultural reasons. Selecting 'winning' species for agroforestry systems in West Timor should be basednot only on economic values, but also on cultural and social context including land tenure, prospects for local value-adding, market security and lessons from the past.