Planting Trees to Improve Farmers’ Livelihood in Kenteng Village

Planting Trees at Kenteng Village Farmers

Kenteng Village Farmers

Planting trees is important because most of the villagers in Kenteng Village, Central Java, work as farmers. They grow food crops such as corn, cassava, and rhizomes such as ginger and turmeric to meet their daily needs. However, the selling price of food crops is not competitive in the market. One kilogram of cassava, for example, is sold at a price of about 1,500 rupiahs (around US$0.10). 

This condition forces farmers to do side jobs to fulfill their needs. Besides farming, most farmers also raise goats to support their families. Recently, many farmers even also make woven crafts from pandan leaves as their side job because the produce from farming is not enough to make a living. 

The villagers are hoping that they can plant trees that can improve their livelihood and rehabilitate their environment at the same time.  

Kenteng Village Farmers_2

Planting tree to rehabilitate the environment 

The soil structure in the village is prone to landslides. But when the dry season comes, drought and clean water shortages threatened this village. In response to this, Faris, Kebumen Trees4Trees Unit Manager is conducting a tree-planting program in Kenteng Village in the 2022 planting season which starts in November. 

Faris revealed that the large number of critically degraded lands and environmental problems that exist  in this village were the main motivations to do  the tree-planting program in this area. 

“Trees4Trees is supporting the village by planting trees in an area of approximately 10 hectares. We intend to plant teak around the village because of the dry soil characteristic. It is most suitable for teak because it doesn’t need a lot of water to grow. Besides, there are also quite a lot of teak trees successfully grown in this area,” said Faris.  

Read also: Preventing Clean Water Shortages and Landslides in Kenteng Village 

Improving the livelihood through planting trees  

The condition of the soil in the village, which is seasonally arid and prone to landslides and drought, makes the life of the people in the village even more difficult. Once these conditions occur, they will disrupt the activity in the village. Farmers must stop their farming activities because collecting water has become the most urgent thing to do.  

Ginardi, the secretary of Kenteng Village revealed that villagers’ biggest hope is they can plant trees that are more valuable than the food crops they are currently growing and can help their environment. 

“We are hoping to be able to plant trees that can maintain the water availability and prevent landslides as well as increase the income of villagers. So, the result of the trees can improve the livelihood of villagers. The result of fruits or other valuable trees like petai or jengkol certainly will greatly benefit the villagers,” Ginardi said. 

Planting fodder trees which fertilize the dry soil  

Apart from relying on agricultural produce, villagers also depend on goats as livestock for their livelihood. Unfortunately, they often have difficulties finding fodder. When the dry season comes, they have to go farther to find it.  

Kenteng Village_donate tree

“Most of the farmers here raise goats as their investment. Currently, they feed their livestock with cassava leaves. But it is still not enough. They have to go some distance away to find more grasses and leaves for their livestock. It takes so much time. So, if we plant trees that are also can be used as animal feed, it will certainly help the villagers,” said Rokhimin, the farmer community leader of Kenteng Village. 

He said that most of the villagers are now interested to plant trees that also can be used as animal feed. Considering the needs of villagers, Faris said that Trees4Trees will plant kaliandra and indigofera trees in Kenteng village beside teak and fruit tree. He said that both trees are also qualified for environmental improvement.  

“Both are not only beneficial as fodder but also improve soil fertility. The village has much barren and fallow land. By planting kaliandra and indigofera, their fallen leaves can amend the topsoil and will increase soil fertility,” he said.  

To help the villagers to plant trees in the village, Trees4Trees is inviting you to take part in #GivingTuesdayForTree campaign and DONATING TREES for Kenteng village until November 29, 2022. You can donate trees through GIVING TUESDAY   

Encouraging Organic Farming Through Training of the Trainer 

Encouraging Organic Farming Through Training of the Trainer_1
Encouraging Organic Farming Through Training of the Trainer_1
Training participants learnt organic farming materials during the training session. Photo: Trees4Trees/Yulianisa Dessenita

Encouraging the planting season begins, Trees4Trees holds a Training of the Trainer (TOT). It is part of a series of tree planting programs. This year, Trees4Trees held the training from October 10 to 26, 2022 in all sites. The training itself aims to provide field coordinators with practical knowledge related to tree-planting. 

Through the training session, Trees4Trees’ training team train all field coordinators to mastering various materials related to organic farming. They are including planting patterns, fertilization, and planting techniques. After the training is completed, field coordinators then will transfer the knowledge to the farmers who are involved in the planting program with Trees4Trees. The training for farmers is conducted during the planting socialization stage, just after Trees4Trees distributes tree seedlings to farmers. 

Tailored to the needs of farmers 

The field coordinator will deliver the materials  to farmers in each village. They will provide material through training according to the materials requested by the farmers. 

“When it comes to the initial stage of the program, field coordinators have asked the farmers about what kind of training they would like to get. Once we know what kind of training they want to improve, we structure the training materials into tutorials. So, the training we provide basically will be tailored to the needs of farmers,” said Tedi Purnama, Trees4Trees Training Officer who was also a trainer of TOT training. 

Encouraging Organic Farming Through Training of the Trainer_3_IMG_5850

Tomi Bustomi, Trees4Trees West Java Regional Manager also said that one of the advantages of the Trees4Trees’ tree planting program is that it involves local farmers in planting trees and always considers the needs of farmers. 

“We always listen to the needs of the farmers. Not only for trees we distribute, but also training we provide. Our programs always tailor to the needs of farmers. Therefore, what we provide will bring real benefits to them,” Tomi added.

Encouraging using organic waste and other organic materials that are easy to find 

This year Trees4Trees delivers seven training materials through TOT. One of them is mandatory material. It is a timber and multipurpose tree species planting pattern. The other materials include how to make organic liquid fertilizers, organic congested fertilizers, organic pesticides, seedlings propagation techniques, and fruit cultivation techniques. Trees4Trees dedicates the training in fruit cultivation to farmers who are willing to increase their fruit production on a business scale.  

According to Tedi, before he delivers the material to the trainee, all materials have been tested first. “We made the simulation first to know the efficiency. Including the ingredients and cost estimation. We make sure that the ingredients and materials we use as references are the easiest, cheapest, and most efficient materials. We designed it in such a way that farmers can easily produce by themselves,” said Tedi. 

Encouraging Organic Farming Through Training of the Trainer_4_IMG_0156

For example, to make organic fertilizers, field coordinators were trained to use organic waste and other organic materials that are cheap and easy to find, such as eggs, expired milk, rotten fruits, moss, and animal dung.   

Encourage farmers to do organic farming 

Through this training, it is expected that field coordinators are able to understand all training materials. Afterwards they can deliver the training materials to farmers as well as reinforce and encouraging them to do organic farming. 

“The purpose of TOT is to provide another perspective on cultivation patterns to farmers in 180 villages in Central Java and West Java as our partners. In West Java especially, most farmers still use chemicals in agriculture. Trees4Trees wants to encouraging all farmers to cultivate plants with organic farming techniques that are environmentally friendly. And the field coordinator will be the first who provides information and answers when farmers ask questions about how to implement an organic farming,” said Tedi. 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani

Trees4Trees Collaborates with BRIN to Strengthen Program Effectiveness

Trees4Trees collaborates with BRIN to strengthen reforestation program effectiveness_1

Trees4Trees collaborates with BRIN to strengthen reforestation program effectiveness_1

Trees4Trees Collaborates and the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN) are establishing a collaboration to accelerate the development of Trees4Trees programs related to research, education, and community service. The project will reinforce all Trees4Trees programs and will be rolled out in the Citarum watershed reforestation program funded by AstraZeneca Forests and One Tree Planted.  

Through the guidance and training from professional forestry experts and researchers of BRIN, it is hoped that Trees4Trees programs can create a greater impact in the local communities and environment and also contribute real world research results of BRIN’s innovation goals. 

Trees4Trees collaborates with BRIN to strengthen reforestation program effectiveness_2

Trees4Trees Collaborates is in its Early Stage 

Currently, the collaboration is in its early stages. It started by holding a training session conducted by BRIN last month. A four-day training was held at Trees4Trees Arjasari, Bandung Regency, and attended by Trees4Trees technical officers, and Field Coordinators.  

As part of the event, the BRIN team visited T4T tree-planting sites at local farmers’ fields to review and evaluate the agroforestry and conservation cropping patterns that had been applied. The team also recorded data on tree growth and pests found on the young trees. In addition to the discovery event, the team also visited impact measurement locations and seedling nurseries.  

Trees4Trees collaborates with BRIN to strengthen reforestation program effectiveness_3

Advancing Trees4Trees program development 

The project is expected to advance the success of eight aspects of the Trees4Trees’ program development; agroforestry demonstration plots, conservation demonstration plots, pest control, organic fertilizer and pesticide production, environmental impacts, social impacts, nursery and seedlings production training, and development of mangrove rehabilitation. 

“Currently, Trees4Trees is running a program for rehabilitation of critical areas working with local communities around Citarum watershed. To strengthen this program, Trees4Trees initiated research collaboration with BRIN which is the most relevant institution that can support this program development. In the early stages of the collaboration, starting with agroforestry plot research and research on social and ecological impacts, it is expected that the collaboration can provide great benefits,” Anto Wartono, Forestry Planning Manager of Trees4Trees commented.  

Author: V. Arnila Wulandani

Photos: Kemas Duga Muis

Fairventures Worldwide Visited Trees4Trees for a Comparative Study 

fairventures worldwide visited trees4trees nursery in pati central java for reforestation comparative study in pati central java

fairventures worldwide visited trees4trees for reforestation comparative study in pati central java

A few weeks ago, Trees4Trees was visited by Fairventures Worldwide, a non-profit organization that is also focused on reforestation and environmental restoration activities. The visit was carried out in Pati Central Java and aimed to conduct a comparative study from the Trees4Tres reforestation program.  

Learning Agroforestry Through Comparative Study

The purpose of the comparative study especially was to learn about the cultivation of sengon trees (Paraserianthes falcataria), community empowerment and mentoring techniques of the tree planting program, collaboration with off-takers and factories, also agroforestry systems developed by Trees4Trees and farmers as well as the marketing strategies. 

fairventures worldwide visited trees4trees nursery in pati central java for reforestation comparative study in pati central java

During the three-day visit, the team had the opportunity to visit Pati nursery to see how tree seedlings were grown and treated until they were ready to be distributed to farmers and planted. 

Through the discussion sessions, Trees4Trees shared stories, experiences, and efforts in environmental restoration as well as education, involvement, and empowerment of local farmers in planting trees.  

The team also visited the farmers’ field and observe the agroforestry patterns that have been applied to the farmers’ field. One of the patterns shown was by combining sengon trees, fruit, and coffee plants in one area. Sengon trees and fruits act as shades for the coffee plants. 

fairventures worldwide visited trees4trees for reforestation comparative study in pati central java

“We have a lot of things to learn from this visit and we thank Trees4Trees for the opportunity. From this trip, we can take new things that have not yet been applied in Central Kalimantan. We will bring the new knowledge and experiences that we already got from Trees4Trees to be implemented with our farmers and our staff in Central Kalimantan,” said Raya, Fairventures Worldwide Country Manager of Indonesia.  

Sharing Knowledge for Greener Earth

This comparative study also not only aims to share knowledge and experience to achieve the same goal of making the environment healthier but also marks that the two organizations support each other for environmental restoration through planting trees.  

“We hope this comparative study can be a good reference to the program run by Fairventures Worldwide in Central Kalimantan. Hopefully, the reforestation we have conducted not only provides a great impact on the environment and local communities but also brings more benefits to the farmers. It is important to share good things for a greener earth and for a more prosperous society”, Novita, Trees4Trees Forestry Coordinator revealed.

Author: V. Arnila Wulandani 

Sundanese Language Training to Strengthen Communication Skill to Local Communities

trees4trees sundanese language training 1

trees4trees sundanese language training 1

West Java is one of Trees4trees’ work areas where most of the population speaks Sundanese as their first language. Although Bahasa Indonesia is used as a formal language, Sundanese as a local language is deeply attached in their daily life and daily conversation.  

Interaction and communication skills with local communities are one of the most important things to achieve successful program implementation in the villages. For this reason, field coordinators need to have good skills to communicate with them using the local language as one of effective approaches.  

Regarding the importance of mastering local language skills, Trees4Trees West Java work area held a training of communication and interaction with Suge ndanese Languaand Culture in Arjasari, Bandung. The activity aimed to improve the communication skills of the field coordinators using language properly and correctly while working around the local communities. It was also purposed to enhance the ability of field coordinators to deliver program materials to villagers in Sundanese language. 

Read also: One Tree Planted Visited Trees4Trees’ West Java Nursery

The activity was held for two days and attended by 96 staff members of West Java Trees4Trees. The workshop was delivered interactively by Elis Mia, a Widyaswara Sundanese Language Expertise. 

trees4trees sundanese language training 

“The Sundanese language skill is very important in the implementation of Trees4Trees program in areas where people speak Sundanese. It will be easier for our team in the field to communicate and to convey program information using the everyday language of farmers or the local community. It is a good way to approach them. In the Sundanese language test during the training, we had a participant who got a perfect score of 100, and two participants got a good score of 95. We really appreciated them. We hope more field coordinators will have a good skill in mastering culture after this training,” said Rahmat Syamsudin, Social Forestry of Trees4Trees.  

Rahmat also revealed that this training was expected to be a basic skill for field coordinators who work closely to local communities. In the future, capacity building trainings in communicating and interacting with local communities will continue to be carried out.  

Indonesian Forest, One of the Largest in the World

Indonesia forest cover is one of the largest in the world and a significant proportion of the world's remaining virgin forest stands.
Indonesia forest cover is one of the largest in the world and a significant proportion of the world's remaining virgin forest stands.
Indonesian Forest, One of the Largest in the World

This August, Indonesia has not only celebrated Indonesia 77th Independence Day on August 17 but also Indonesia Forest Day on August 7. These two momentous days in August mark the natural richness of Indonesia as one of the largest archipelagos in the world. It has more than 17.000 islands. For Indonesian people, forests and all the biodiversity inside are part of their identity as well as part of their culture.  

Indonesia forest cover is one of the largest in the world and a significant proportion of the world’s remaining virgin forest stands.  

Indonesia Has a Diverse Types of Forest  

Of the total forest area, estimated to be around 120,5 million hectares, Indonesia has 19 diverse types of forest. The Indonesia tropical rainforest itself is the third largest in the world after Amazon and Congo rainforests. Indonesian mangrove forests and peatland are the largest in the world. They make Indonesia as one of mega biodiversity country in the world. 

Read also: The Incredible Benefits of Mangroves Ecosystem 

Indonesia forest infographic
Indonesia Forest One of the Largest in The World

Data source: MoEF, fao.org, indonesianembassy.de, katadata.id, IBSAAP 2015-2020

Indonesia Biodiversity 

The Indonesia archipelago spans the equator. It lies between the two tectonic continental plates, Eurasian Plate and Australian Plate. This tropical location creates conditions for biodiversity as well as a high level of animal and plant native only to Indonesia which also makes it the second largest mega biodiversity country after Brazil.  

Indonesia is forested with an enormous number of trees species and a home for hundred animal species. One of the most remarkable things, Indonesia is also a home for 150 thousand species of insects.  

According to Indonesian government Statistics in 2010, Indonesia is populated with 1.340 ethnic groups who speak in more than 700 different languages. Many of them depend on the forest for their daily needs. 

Indonesia Forest Contributions  

The tropical rainforest, mangrove forests, and peatlands in Indonesia absorb a vast amount of carbon. The total carbon stored by these top three types of forest is about 113,18 gigaton carbon. Super!  

Those forests not only act as a carbon sink but also provide fresh air, water, food, shelter and homes, medicine and fulfil the needs of living creatures. They also make an enormous contribution to ecosystem balance and climate stability worldwide. 

Data Indonesia forest

Data source: Global Forest Watch, menlhk.org, katadata.id 

Forest Loss in Indonesia   

Even though Indonesia has an enormous forest area, unfortunately Indonesia has been also one of five top countries to lose their forests in the last 20 years. Land conversion and illegal logging are deemed as the main causes of forest loss.  

Although the rate of deforestation in the 2019 to 2020 period has significantly decreased compared to 2018 to 2019 period, deforestation in Indonesia needs serious attention. The drivers of deforestation are inseparable from the economic factor of the community. So that, community involvement is needed to find solutions and continue to make efforts to prevent the increasing rate of deforestation. 

Read also: Planting One Hundred Trees with Students and Villagers in Kalibeji Village 

One of the solutions to reduce deforestation is agroforestry. In the agroforestry system, forest trees are combined with crops that produce results economically on a regular schedule to support the local communities. Traditional practices in social forestry, including agroforestry, have been proven to be able to meet the needs of community socially and economically, also protecting the forest ecologically.  

To get involved in reducing deforestation through agroforestry, you can support farmers in our community to implement an agroforestry system by planting trees on the lands where they live. Click HERE to learn more about how to get involved! 

Author: V. Arnila Wulandani