The capacity of community on running soil and water conservation in Bangsri micro-catchment, Upper Brantas Watershed, Indonesia

Abstract

In the Brantas watershed, the acceleration of development for public welfare is often used as an argument for the exploitation of natural resources. This activity causes the degradation of natural resources. To achieve a healthy watershed, community empowerment in a watershed is one of the main concerns of the Indonesia government and it is urgently needed. Community empowerment through a micro catchment is an innovation. In the first step of the effort, a capacity baseline of the community on implementing soil and water conservation is required. The baseline was obtained through household surveys using a questionnaire. The sample was selected using the proportional random sampling method. A small population of the sample used a hyper geometric distribution approach. The results of the baseline study indicated that the community was still dependent on their land resources. They generally understand the land degradation problem, however some communities still did not realize the importance of environmental protection. The reason for farmers does not apply the soil and water conservation was due to the lack of labour, the demand for economic needs for their livelihood and less funding to carry out soil and water conservation measures. The community could overcome land degradation through community groups and they expect technical assistance and subsidies. They need formed and functioned the Association of Micro-catchment Management. The communities also stated that they needed regular assistance in the management of land resources through field school.