Is smallholder farmer maintaining biodiversity in rattan agroforest?

Abstract

Rattan Agroforestry is usually developed by smallholder farmers in Katingan district, Central Kalimantan. The rattan is planted under woody tree species, mainly rubber. Both rubber and rattan have contributed in the economic development of Central Kalimantan. A vegetation analysis with purposive sampling plot was conducted in two villages in Katingan district to assess flora diversity in the gradient of Agroforestry system (simple to complex Agroforestry) compared with forest. The Agroforestry system consisted of baliang, bahu, complex rubber rattan agroforest, and simple rubber agroforest. Results showed forest has the highest tree diversity (H'=3.39), while simple rubber agroforest has the lowest tree diversity (H'=1.09). During the survey, 43 rattan species were encountered in the landscape of two villages (Tumbang Malawan and Tumbang Runen). The commonest rattan's genus was Calamus (consisted of 22 species). Farmers applied an extensive management of rattan-rubber agroforest and they allowed regeneration occurred naturally in the farm. In the rattan agroforests, other tress with economic value, which produce food and fruits were intentionally planted to support food security to their family. Owing to low price, rattan currently is not intensively managed and harvested; nevertheless, the Dayak is still maintaining the rattan agroforest for their domestic and cultural needs.