Can indigenous peasants of Central Kalimantan live viably while conserving their forest lands?

What is it about?

This study investigates the feasibility of a new initiative to develop a Community-Based Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) Enterprise, or CBNE, within the indigenous peasant communities in Manuhing Raya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. This CBNE development itself is part of the initiatives of the Borneo Institute, a not-for-profit organization, to conserve the rainforest lands in the region amid the long-standing challenge of deforestation. Several methods were used in the investigation, including ethnographic methods such as participatory rural assessment, in-depth interviews, and field observation, all of which were conducted in June 2023. In addition, the CBNE development stages employed the Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) along with the One Village One Product (OVOP) to identify the economic aspects of CBNE development. The study identified several vulnerable aspects of CBNE development in the local communities, including weaknesses in social cohesion, leadership, and entrepreneurial orientation. This suggests some future work for CBNE development in the communities, that is to prepare a roadmap for a multiyear intervention program and to apply empowerment-based approaches.

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