Network Embeddedness Factor in Farmer Silvicultural System

Abstract

The decision of farmers to apply the silvicultural system is influenced by socioeconomic and cultural factors. Many farmers use simple tree planting and maintenance patterns. Forest farmers have certain limitations in implementing forest plant cultivation systems, these limits include : 1) land tenure; 2) access to knowledge and 3) access to capital and markets. These limitations are thought to be closely related to the social network factor (network embeddedness). This study aims to reveal the relationship between social networks and the silvicultural system used by forest farmers, including local social networks, markets, capital and knowledge that shape silvicultural practices. The data collection technique used in-depth interviews with farmers, traders, wood sawmill and those involved in the value chain. This study uses a qualitative method using a case study approach. The case study was conducted on the community forest farmers group in Dukuhdalem village, Kuningan District, West Java Indonesia. The results showed that silvicultural practices carried out by farmers were closely related to social networking factors. The form of social networking in the study area is an overembeddedness pattern where the network structure. This network has an important role in making decisions about silvicultural methods. The "external" social network has not been effective in forming a strong tie due to the "pseudo" relationship between farmers and their external network. The pattern of over-embeddedness network structure has formed a simple silvicultural system which causes the incentives for forest products to be relatively low.