Research on World Agricultural Economy

Bridging Farmers’ Perceptions and Preferences for Economic Sustainability: Developing an Agroforestry Prototype in Private Forests in Bogor Regency , Indonesia

Bahruni

Department of Forest Management, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, Academic Ring Road Campus IPB Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia

Naifa Sa’diyya

Division of Sustainability, Lokadata Institute, Jl. Letjen S. Parman Kav. 77, West Jakarta 11410, Indonesia

Fitta Setiajiati

Department of Forest Management, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, Academic Ring Road Campus IPB Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia； Laboratory of Forest Policy and Economics, Division of Natural Resource Economics, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Yoshida North Campus, Kyoto 606‑8502, Japan

Soni Trison

Department of Forest Management, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, Academic Ring Road Campus IPB Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i4.2534

Received: 25 July 2025 | Revised: 31 July 2025 | Accepted: 17 August 2025 | Published Online: 28 August 2025

---

Abstract

The ASEAN nations and the Indonesian government prioritize sustainable development through programs on water, energy, food, conservation, and climate change mitigation. Developing agroforestry in private forests holds strategic potential to enhance sustainable forestry and strengthen rural economies. Farmers' perceptions and preferences regarding agroforestry management are crucial for improving program outcomes. This study aims to develop an agroforestry prototype in private forests by integrating farmer perceptions and preferences with financial considerations. In Situdaun Village, Bogor Regency, West Java, Indonesia, we collected data through interviews utilizing a questionnaire. Subsequently, we conducted an analysis using descriptive statistics, Likert scale relative frequencies, and a financial feasibility assessment. The study findings indicate that farmers' perceptions and preferences are appropriate for agroforestry development. The economic viability of this agroforestry model is essential for farmers' well-being and ecological sustainability. Agroforestry aligns with the land maximization approach, enhancing the restoration of degraded land and forests, supplying bioenergy, and reducing GHG emissions. We recommend efficient extension services to enhance farmers' institutional capacity, strengthened by government programs and policies to address livelihood requirements, incentive schemes, human capital development, stakeholder engagement for implementing the agroforestry prototype, and downstream processes, alongside developing community-based land and forest rehabilitation initiatives.

Keywords: Agroforestry Prototype; Financial Feasibility; Land Maximization; Perceptions; Preferences

---

References

[1] Fujiwara, T., Awang, S.A., Widayanti, W.T., et al., 2018. Socioeconomic conditions affecting smallholder timber management in Gunungkidul District, Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia. Small-Scale Forestry. 17(1), 41–56. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11842-017-9374-1

[2] Darusman, D., Hardjanto, 2006. Economic review of community forests. Proceedings of Forest Products Research Seminar (FORDA). 4–13. Available from: https://adoc.pub/tinjauan-ekonomi-hutan-rakyat-oleh-dudung-darusman-dan-hardj.html (cited 17 July 2023). (in Indonesian)

[3] Maryudi, A., Devkota, R.R., Schusser, C., et al., 2012. Back to basics: considerations in evaluating the outcomes of community forestry. Forest Policy and Economics. 14(1), 1–5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2011.07.017

[4] Dishut, Dinas Kehutanan, 2022. Area of community forest by regency in west java. Available from: https://opendata.jabarprov.go.id/id/dataset/luas-hutan-rakyat-berdasarkan-kabupatenkota-di-jawa-barat (cited 17 July 2023). (in Indonesian)

[5] ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry, 2015. 2016–2025 Vision and strategic plan for asean cooperation in food, agriculture and forestry. Available from: https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/asean197569.pdf (cited 26 June 2025).

[6] ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry, 2024. The forty-sixth meeting of the asean ministers on agriculture and forestry (the 46th AMAF). Available from: https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/JPS-46th-AMAF-final.pdf (cited 26 June 2025).

[7] ASEAN Secretariat, 2025. ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) strategic plan 2026–2030 of the ASEAN community vision 2045. ASEAN Secretariat. Available from: https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AEC-Strategic-Plan-2026-2030.pdf (cited 26 June 2025).

[8] Catacutan, D., Finlayson, R., Gassner, A., et al., 2018. ASEAN guidelines for agroforestry development. ASEAN Secretariat. Available from: https://asean-crn.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2018-ASEANGuideline-agroforestry.pdf (cited 26 June 2025).

[9] Quandt, A., Neufeldt, H., Gorman, K., 2023. Climate change adaptation through agroforestry: opportunities and gaps. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. 60, 1–7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2022.101244

[10] Sanudin, Fauziyah, E., 2015. Characteristic of private forest based on its management orientation: case study in Sukamaju Village, Ciamis District and Kiarajangkung Village, Tasikmalaya District, West Java. Prosiding Seminar Nasional Masyarakat Biodiversitas Indonesia. 1(4). Available from: https://smujo.id/psnmbi/article/view/1151 (cited 17 July 2023). (in Indonesian)

[11] Leakey, R.R.B., 2017. Definition of agroforestry revisited. Multifunctional Agriculture. 5–6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-805356-0.00001-5

[12] Musvoto, C., Kgaphola, J., Kahinda, J.M., 2022. Assessment of homegarden agroforestry for sustainable land management intervention in a degraded landscape in South Africa. Land Degradation & Development. 33(4), 611–627. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.4173

[13] Evans, K., Jong, W.D., Cronkleton, P., et al., 2010. Participatory methods for planning the future in forest communities. society & natural resources. 23(7), 604–619. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08941920802713572

[14] Ruhimat, I.S., 2020. Analysis of farmers decision making in selecting understorey species in mixed garden. Jurnal Agroforestri Indonesia. 3(2), 111–122.

[15] Widiarti, A., 2013. Forest recovery with community participation. Jurnal Penelitian Hutan Dan Konservasi Alam. 10(2), 215–228. (in Indonesian)

[16] Kuswantoro, D.P., Junaedi, E., Handayani, W., et al., 2014. Agroforestry landscape assessment in a priority watershed (Cikawung watershed). Balai Penelitian Teknologi Agroforestri: Ciamis, Indonesia. (in Indonesian)

[17] Rahman, S.A., Jacobsen, J.B., Healey, J.R., et al., 2017. Finding alternatives to swidden agriculture: does agroforestry improve livelihood options and reduce pressure on existing forest?. Agroforestry Systems, 91(1), 185–199. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-016-9912-4

[18] Gosling, E., Reith, E., Knoke, T., et al., 2020. Exploring farmer perceptions of agroforestry via multi-objective optimisation: a test application in Eastern Panama. Agroforestry Systems. 94(5), 2003–2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-020-00519-0

[19] Darusman, D., Hardjanto, Suharjito, D., et al., 2013. Membangkitkan kehutanan indonesia: kristalisasi konsep dan strategi implementasi. In: Frandy, Y.H., Nastiti, D., Januarini, N. (Eds.). PembangunanKehutanan Indonesia Baru. Refleksi Dan Inovasi Pemikiran. IPB Press: Bogor, Indonesia. (in Indonesian)

[20] FAO, 2020. The state of the world’s forests 2020. FAO and UNEP: Rome, Italy. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4060/ca8642en

[21] Meijer, S.S., Catacutan, D., Ajayi, O.C., et al., 2015. The role of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions in the uptake of agricultural and agroforestry innovations among smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability. 13(1), 40–54. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2014.912493

[22] Mercer, D.E., 2004. Adoption of agroforestry innovations in the tropics: A Review. Agroforestry Systems. 61, 311–328. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:AGFO.0000029007.85754.70

[23] Hudiyani, I., Purnaningsih, N., Asngari, P.S., et al., 2017. Farmers’ perceptions of agroforestry pattern private forests in Wonogiri Regency, Central Java. Jurnal Penyuluhan. 13(1), 64. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25015/penyuluhan.v13i1.14709 (in Indonesian)

[24] Kuyah, S., Whitney, C.W., Jonsson, M., et al., 2019. Agroforestry delivers a win-win solution for ecosystem services in Sub-Saharan Africa. A meta-analysis. Agronomy for Sustainable Development. 39(5), 47. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-019-0589-8

[25] Kinyili, B.M., Ndunda, E., Kitur, E., 2020. Influence of agroforestry on rural income and livelihood of smallholder farmers in the Semi-Arid Region of Sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Tropical Forestry and Environment. 10(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.31357/jtfe.v10i1.4691

[26] Ouko, C.A., Mulwa, R., Kibugi, et al., 2018. Community perceptions of ecosystem services and the management of Mt. Marsabit Forest in Northern Kenya. Environments. 5(11), 121. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/environments5110121

[27] Victoria, M.M., 2020. Contribution of forestry provisioning ecosystem services to the household income of small holder farmers adjacent Chyulu Hills Forest, Makueni County, Kenya. International Journal of Environmental Sciences & Natural Resources. 23(4). DOI: https://doi.org/10.19080/ijesnr.2020.23.556117

[28] Tiebel, M., Mölder, A., Bieling, C., et al., 2024. Understanding small-scale private forest owners is a basis for transformative change towards integrative conservation. People and Nature. 6(1), 337–353. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10579

[29] Atmadja, S., Martius, C., Leonard, S., et al., 2021. Transformational change to reduce deforestation and climate change impacts. FAO: Rome, Italy. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4060/cb7314en

[30] Dawson, N.M., Coolsaet, B., Sterling, E.J., et al., 2021. The Role of indigenous peoples and local communities in effective and equitable conservation. Ecology and Society. 26(3), 19. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-12625-260319

[31] Badan Pusat Statistik, 2020. Tenjolaya District in Figures 2023. Available from: https://bogorkab.bps.go.id/id/publication/2023/09/26/5d912548984fcaa7247750e8/kecamatan-tenjolaya-dalam-angka-2023.html (cited 17 July 2023). (in Indonesian)

[32] Makwana, D., Engineer, P., Dabhi, A., et al., 2023. Sampling methods in research: a review. international journal of trend in scientific research and development. 7(3), 762–768. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371985656

[33] Harpe, S.E., 2015. How to analyze likert and other rating scale data. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning. 7(6), 836–850. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2015.08.001

[34] Grovers, R.M., Fowler Jr, F.J., Couper, M.P., et al., 2009. Survey methodology (2nd ed.). A John Wiley & Sons: Hoboken, NJ, USA.

[35] Chisika, S., Park, J., Park, H., et al., 2022. Farmers’ perception of ecosystem services from agroforestry practices in kenya: the case of kakamega county. Journal of Sustainability Research. 4(4). DOI: https://doi.org/10.20900/jsr20220016

[36] Sukwika, T., Yusuf, D., Suwandhi, I., 2020. The institutional of local community and stratification of land ownership in surrounding community forests in Bogor. Journal of Tropical Forest Management. 26(1), 59–71. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7226/jtfm.26.1.59

[37] Suryani, E., Dariah, D.A., 2012. Increasing land productivity through agroforestry systems. Jurnal Sumberdaya Lahan. 6(2), 101–109. (in Indonesian)

[38] Rahut, D.B., Behera, B., Ali, A., 2015. Household access to water and choice of treatment methods: empirical evidence from Bhutan. Water Resources and Rural Development. 5, 1–16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wrr.2014.09.003

[39] Phondani, P.C., Maikhuri, R.K., Rawat, L.S., et al., 2020. Assessing farmers’ perception on criteria and indicators for sustainable management of indigenous agroforestry systems in Uttarakhand, India. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators. 5, 100018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2019.100018

[40] Hardjanto, 2017. Community forest management. In: Waldi, R.D. (Ed.). IPB Press: Bogor, Indonesia. (in Indonesian)

[41] Kadariah, 1999. Introduction to project evaluation. In: Karlina, L., Gray, C. (Eds.). Publishing Institute of the Faculty of Economics, University of Indonesia: Jakarta, Indonesia. Available from: https://lib.ui.ac.id/detail.jsp?id=120991 (in Indonesian)

[42] The World Bank, 2005. The effectiveness of world bank support for community-based and -driven development - an oed evaluation (English). In Kumar, N., Vajja, A., Pozzoni, B., et al. (Eds.). The World Bank: Washington, D.C., USA. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1596/978-0-8213-6390-4

[43] Reddy, M.V.R., Ravi, S.D., Kulkarni, P.S., et al., 2011. Numerical model for the analysis of the thermal-hydraulic behaviors in the calandria based reactor. Computational Fluid Dynamics 2010. Springer: Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany. pp. 669–676. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-17884-9_85

[44] Maryudi A., Nawir A.A., Dwiko B., et al., 2015. Complex regulatory frameworks governing private smallholder tree plantation in Gunungkidul District, Indonesia. Forest Policy and Economics. 59, 1–6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2015.05.010

[45] Premono, B., Lestari, S., 2023. Multipurpose trees species-based agroforestry at Ogan Komering Ulu Selatan, South Sumatera. In Proceedings of the 3rd Sriwijaya International Conference on Environmental Issues, Palembang, Indonesia, 5 October 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.5-10-2022.2328349

[46] Mbow, C., Smith, P., Skole, D., et al., 2014. Achieving mitigation and adaptation to climate change through sustainable agroforestry practices in Africa. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. 6(1), 8–14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2013.09.002

[47] Mbow, C., Van, N.M., Luedeling, E., et al., 2014. Agroforestry Solutions to Address Food Security and Climate Change Challenges in Africa. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. 6, 61–67. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2013.10.014

[48] Puspasari, E., Wulandari, C., Darmawan, A., et al., 2017. Social economic aspects agroforestry system in the forest community work area (Hkm) District West Lampung, Lampung Province. Jurnal Sylva Lestari. 5(3), 95–103. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23960/jsl3595-103 (in Indonesian)

[49] Jose, S., 2009. Agroforestry for ecosystem services and environmental benefits: an overview. Agroforestry Systems. 76(1), 1–10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-009-9229-7

[50] Sardjono. M.A., Djogo, T., Susilo, H., et al., 2003. Classification of agroforestry component and pattern combination. World Agroforestry Centre: Bogor, Indonesia.

[51] Ananta, R., Sulistyo, J., 2011. Characteristics of calorific value of sengon tree component in Wonosobo sawmill industry centers [Bachelor’s Thesis]. Universitas Gadjah Mada: Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Available from: https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/166285

[52] Kang, B.T., Attakrah, A.N., Reynolds, L., 1999. Alley Farming. Macmillan Education Ltd: London, UK. Available from: https://books.google.co.id/books?id=7t0c9bk1GjYC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

[53] Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Republic of Indonesia, 2021. Forest Management and Forest Management Plan Preparation, as well as Forest Utilization in Protected Forests and Production Forests. Available from: https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/235254/permen-lhk-no-8-tahun-2021 (cited 17 July 2023).

[54] Nair, P.K.R., 2011. Agroforestry systems and environmental quality: introduction. Journal of Environmental Quality. 40(3), 784–790. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2011.0076

[55] Kamar Dagang dan Industri Indonesia (KADIN), 2022. Business Case Study of Agroforestry. KADIN/Indonesian Ecolabeling Institute: Jakarta, Indonesia.

[56] Nair, R.P.K., Nair, V.D., Mohan, K.B., et al., 2010. Carbon Sequestration in Agroforestry Systems. Advances in Agronomy. 108, 237–307. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2113(10)08005-3

[57] Szott, A., Motamed, M., 2024. Agriculture sector cost benefit analysis guidance. Available from: https://assets.mcc.gov/content/uploads/pub-2024001293901-ag-scba.pdf (cited 17 July 2023).

[58] Cooperate Finance Institute, 2023. Discount rate. Available from: https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/valuation/discount-rate/ (cited 27 August 2023).

[59] Gittinger, J.P., 1982. Economic analysis of agricultural projects, 2nd ed. McEuen, J. E. (Ed.). The Johns Hopkins University Press: Baltimore, MD, USA.

[60] Magni, Carlo, A., Marchioni, A., 2020. Average rates of return, working capital, and NPV-consistency in project appraisal: A sensitivity analysis approach. Available from: https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/99922/ (cited 17 July 2023).

[61] Zhuang, J., Liang, Z., Lin, T., et al., 2007. Theory and practice in the choice of social discount rate for cost-benefit analysis: a survey. Asian Development Bank: Mandaluyong City, Philippines. Available from: https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/28360/wp094.pdf

[62] Pattanayak, S.K., Mercer, D.E., Sills, E., et al., 2003. Taking stock of agroforestry adoption studies. Agroforestry Systems. 57(3), 173–186. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024809108210

[63] Buttoud, G., 2013. Advancing agroforestry on the policy agenda: a guide for decision-makers. Place, F., Gauthier, M. (Eds.). Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Rome, Italy. Available from: https://www.fao.org/4/i3182e/i3182e00.pdf

[64] Montagnini, F., 2024. Integrating landscapes: agroforestry for biodiversity conservation and food sovereignty. Springer Cham: Cham, Switzerland. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-54270-1

[65] Coe, R., Sinclair, F., Barrios, E., 2014. Scaling up agroforestry requires research ‘in’ rather than ‘for’ development. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. 6, 73–77. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2013.10.013

[66] Schroth, G., Da Fonseca, G.A.B., Harvey, C.A., et al., 2004. Agroforestry and Biodiversity Conservation in Tropical Landscapes. Island Press: Washington, D.C., USA. pp. 1–535.

[67] Hartoyo, A.P.P., Khairunnisa, S., Pamoengkas, P., et al., 2022. Estimating carbon stocks of three traditional agroforestry systems and their relationships with tree diversity and stand density. Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity. 23(12). DOI: https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d231207

[68] Siagian, K., Karuniasa, M., Mizuno, K., 2024. The estimation of economic valuation on carbon sequestration of agroforestry land system. Journal of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. 14(2), 231–231. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29244/jpsl.14.2.231

[69] Kolovos, K.G., Kyriakopoulos, G., Chalikias, M.S., 2011. Co-evaluation of basic woodfuel types used as alternative heating sources to existing energy network. Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology. 12(2), 733–742.

[70] Kyriakopoulos, G., Kolovos, K.G., Chalikias, M.S., 2010. Environmental sustainability and financial feasibility evaluation of woodfuel biomass used for a potential replacement of conventional space heating sources. Part II: A Combined Greek and the nearby Balkan Countries Case Study. Operational Research. 10(1), 57–69. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/S12351-009-0033-Y

[71] Leakey, R.R.B., Harding, P.E., 2025. Land maxing’: regenerative, remunerative, productive and transformative agriculture to harness the six capitals of sustainable development. Sustainability. 17, 5876. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135876

[72] Simons, A.J., Leakey, R.R.B., 2004. Tree domestication in tropical agroforestry. Agroforestry Systems. 61, 167–181.

[73] Foundjem, T.D., Tchoundjeu, Z., Speelman, S., et al., 2012. Policy and legal frameworks governing trees: incentives or disincentives for smallholder tree planting decisions in Cameroon? Small-scale Forestry. 12, 489–505. DOI: https ://doi.org/10.1007/s1184 2-012-9225-z

[74] Lal, R., 2020. Regenerative agriculture for food and climate. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation. 75(5), 123A–124A.

[75] Schreefel, L., Schulte, R.P.O., de Boer, I.J.M., 2020. Regenerative agriculture the soil is the base. Global Food Security. 26, 100404. Available from: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/State_Board/docs/2023may_attachment__regenerative_ag_the_soil_is_the_base.pdf

[76] Leakey, R.R.B., 2010. Agroforestry: a delivery mechanism for multifunctional agriculture. in: Kellimore, L.R. (Ed.). Handbook on Agroforestry: Management Practices and Environmental Impact. Nova Science Publishers: New York, NY, USA. pp. 461–471.

[77] Leakey, R.R.B., 2012. Living with the trees of life—towards the transformation of tropical agriculture. CABI: Wallingford, UK. pp. 1–200.

[78] Leakey, R.R.B., 2013. Addressing the causes of land degradation, food/nutritional insecurity and poverty: a new approach to agricultural intensification in the tropics and sub-tropics. in: Hoffman, U. (Ed.). Wake up Before it is too Late: Make Agriculture Truly Sustainable Now nor Food Security in A Changi-g Climate, UNCTAD Trade and Environment Review 2013, Chapter 3. UN Publications: Geneva, Switzerland. pp. 192–198.