Strategies of the village community to survive in a changing environment: Survive or change

Abstract

Traditional ecological knowledge becomes difficult to apply in areas where natural resources have been degraded. This is experienced by people living on degraded peatlands in Tumbang Nusa, Central Kalimantan Province. They are confused to determine the appropriate livelihood. This paper aims to analyse the community's understanding of peatlands and the causes of their destruction, as well as livelihood options to survive on degraded peatlands. Data are collected from 24 randomly selected families and analysed descriptively qualitatively. The analysis shows that the respondents are aware that their peatlands have been degraded and the reason is the unsuitable program that is applied on peatlands. Options for survival can be grouped into two. Around 58% of respondents remain on their ancestral livelihoods and do not cultivate on the peatland, and 42% of respondents chose to occupy the peatlands. They farm on peatlands with considerable risk, raise livestock and do business. Some are still catching fish in the river. Respondents' choice of livelihood bases on their knowledge of peatland, calculation of potential failure, family's economic capacity, and outside assistance. The study recommends the importance of providing communities with knowledge about social and environmental safeguards to help them determine their livelihoods with minimal risk.