The Power of System’s Coupling in the Development of Smallholder-Private Forests

Abstract

The smallholder-private forests initially developed through various catalysts, particularly the government's greening program. The various functions of smallholder-private forests in economic, social, and environmental life has encouraged the forests as an integral part of community life. This condition is termed as a status of adjusted to each other (couple state) between the forests and community life. The couple state needs to be studied to help in improving community lives through the development of smallholder-private forests. A systems approach is required in learning the couple state. The main topic of research was the system’s coupling between smallholder-private forest systems and livelihood systems. The degree of the Jurnal Sylva Lestari ISSN (print) 2339-0913 Vol. 8 No. 2, Mei 2020 (155-172) ISSN (online) 2549-5747 156 system’s coupling was measured using the value of the coupling coefficient (R). This study aimed to determine the degrees of coupling in three main farmer livelihoods. The study began by developing the causal loop diagram (CLD) of the coupling of the two systems. Samples of 72 head of the family that work as full farmers, part-time farmers, and non-farmers were taken purposively in Semoyo Village, Gunungkidul Regency. Data of farmers conditions were obtained through interviews by using questionnaires, and the conditions of smallholder-private forests were obtained through tree measurements. The results found that there was a dynamic coupling of the community forest system with community life in the three main livelihoods studied. The highest order of coupling degrees was full-time farmers, part-time farmers, and non-farmers, respectively. The difference in degrees of coupling in the three main livelihoods can be used as a basis for stakeholder intervention in formulating regulations, policies, and coaching to improve the quality of life of the community.