Continued support for agroforestry practices

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 49 views

Economic, Social, and Cultural Aspects of Agroforestry Practice: A Case Study of Gurukinayan Village, Payung District, Karo Regency

Introduction

Agroforestry is a practice that combines agriculture and forestry to create a sustainable and productive ecosystem. It involves the integration of trees and crops on the same land, which not only increases agricultural and forestry production but also strengthens the attachment of the community to their environment. Gurukinayan Village, located in Payung District, Karo Regency, is a concrete example of the application of agroforestry that has succeeded in combining economic, social, and cultural aspects in managing natural resources. This article aims to discuss the economic, social, and cultural aspects of agroforestry practice in Gurukinayan Village.

Economic Aspects of Agroforestry in Gurukinayan

One of the biggest potentials of agroforestry in Gurukinayan Village is seen in wood forest products, which reached a total volume of 5,190 m³. In addition, non-kayed forest products such as medicinal plants make a significant economic contribution, with a total value of Rp 93,000,000. This shows that agroforestry can be an important source of income for the local community. Community involvement in the practice of agroforestry also strengthens economic resilience, considering that the community does not only depend on one type of business, but rather utilizes various existing resources.

The agricultural sector contributed the largest by reaching 37.76%, with types of plants that are fast harvesting, such as rice, corn, red chili, tomatoes, vegetables, and fruits, being the main choice for farmers. Meanwhile, the forestry sector currently still contributes the least, which is 4.69%, because the results of forestry plants have not been maximized. However, if forest management is carried out on an ongoing basis, the contribution of this sector is expected to increase in the future.

The economic benefits of agroforestry in Gurukinayan Village are not only limited to the income generated from the sale of wood and non-kayed forest products. The practice also creates employment opportunities for the local community, both directly and indirectly. For example, farmers who engage in agroforestry activities may hire laborers to help with planting, harvesting, and processing of crops. Additionally, the sale of wood and non-kayed forest products creates a market for local businesses, such as sawmills, woodworking shops, and herbal medicine manufacturers.

Social and Cultural Aspects in Agroforestry Practice

The application of agroforestry in Gurukinayan Village not only has an impact on economic aspects, but also on social and cultural aspects. This practice encourages cooperation between citizens in preparing land and harvesting results. Joint activities such as mutual cooperation in planting and care of plants create strong social ties among community members. This is important to maintain harmony and social solidarity in the village.

In addition, agroforestry also has a positive impact on the preservation of local culture. Local people still preserve local wisdom in the management of medicinal plants and the use of non-kayed forest products. Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants and how to process it from generation to generation is also integrated in the practice of agroforestry, so that it not only provides economic value, but also maintains the cultural identity of the Gurukinayan community.

The social and cultural benefits of agroforestry in Gurukinayan Village are not only limited to the preservation of local culture. The practice also creates a sense of community and social cohesion among villagers. For example, farmers who engage in agroforestry activities may participate in community events, such as festivals and ceremonies, which are often related to the harvest season. Additionally, the sale of wood and non-kayed forest products creates a market for local artisans, such as woodcarvers and weavers, who may sell their products at local markets.

Conclusion

The practice of agroforestry in Gurukinayan Village is a good model in integrating economic, social, and cultural aspects. With wise management, agroforestry not only improves the welfare of the community, but also preserves the environment and local culture. This effort shows that collaboration between humans and nature can produce sustainable benefits for all parties. Village communities need to continue to be encouraged to develop agroforestry practices so that existing potential can be utilized optimally, so as to make a greater contribution to both the local economy and cultural preservation.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Continued support for agroforestry practices: The government and local authorities should continue to support agroforestry practices in Gurukinayan Village and other similar communities.
Capacity building: Farmers and community members should be provided with training and capacity building programs to improve their knowledge and skills in agroforestry practices.
Market access: Efforts should be made to improve market access for wood and non-kayed forest products, including the establishment of local markets and trade networks.
Preservation of local culture: Efforts should be made to preserve local culture and traditional knowledge related to medicinal plants and non-kayed forest products.
Community engagement: Community engagement and participation should be encouraged in the development and implementation of agroforestry practices.

By following these recommendations, the economic, social, and cultural benefits of agroforestry in Gurukinayan Village can be maximized, and the community can continue to thrive and prosper.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Agroforestry Practice in Gurukinayan Village

Introduction

Agroforestry is a practice that combines agriculture and forestry to create a sustainable and productive ecosystem. Gurukinayan Village, located in Payung District, Karo Regency, is a concrete example of the application of agroforestry that has succeeded in combining economic, social, and cultural aspects in managing natural resources. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about agroforestry practice in Gurukinayan Village.

Q: What is agroforestry?

A: Agroforestry is a practice that combines agriculture and forestry to create a sustainable and productive ecosystem. It involves the integration of trees and crops on the same land, which not only increases agricultural and forestry production but also strengthens the attachment of the community to their environment.

Q: What are the benefits of agroforestry in Gurukinayan Village?

A: The benefits of agroforestry in Gurukinayan Village include:

Economic benefits: Agroforestry provides a source of income for the local community through the sale of wood and non-kayed forest products.
Social benefits: Agroforestry creates a sense of community and social cohesion among villagers.
Cultural benefits: Agroforestry preserves local culture and traditional knowledge related to medicinal plants and non-kayed forest products.

Q: What types of crops are grown in agroforestry systems in Gurukinayan Village?

A: The types of crops grown in agroforestry systems in Gurukinayan Village include:

Fast-harvesting crops such as rice, corn, red chili, tomatoes, vegetables, and fruits.
Medicinal plants such as ginger, turmeric, and galangal.
Non-kayed forest products such as wood, rattan, and bamboo.

Q: How do farmers in Gurukinayan Village manage their agroforestry systems?

A: Farmers in Gurukinayan Village manage their agroforestry systems through a combination of traditional knowledge and modern techniques. They use techniques such as:

Crop rotation and intercropping.
Use of organic fertilizers and pest control methods.
Regular pruning and thinning of trees.

Q: What are the challenges faced by farmers in Gurukinayan Village in implementing agroforestry practices?

A: The challenges faced by farmers in Gurukinayan Village in implementing agroforestry practices include:

Limited access to markets and trade networks.
Lack of knowledge and skills in agroforestry practices.
Limited availability of resources such as land, water, and labor.

Q: How can the government and local authorities support agroforestry practices in Gurukinayan Village?

A: The government and local authorities can support agroforestry practices in Gurukinayan Village by:

Providing training and capacity building programs for farmers.
Establishing local markets and trade networks.
Providing access to resources such as land, water, and labor.

Q: What is the future of agroforestry in Gurukinayan Village?

A: The future of agroforestry in Gurukinayan Village is bright, with the potential for increased economic, social, and cultural benefits. With continued support from the government and local authorities, farmers in Gurukinayan Village can continue to develop and improve their agroforestry practices, leading to a more sustainable and productive ecosystem.

Conclusion

Agroforestry is a practice that combines agriculture and forestry to create a sustainable and productive ecosystem. Gurukinayan Village, located in Payung District, Karo Regency, is a concrete example of the application of agroforestry that has succeeded in combining economic, social, and cultural aspects in managing natural resources. By answering some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about agroforestry practice in Gurukinayan Village, we hope to provide a better understanding of this practice and its benefits.