Multipurpose Trees Species-Based Agroforestry at Ogan Komering Ulu Selatan, South Sumatera

The practice of land cultivation with different plant species in the same land unit, known as agroforestry, has long been practiced by local communities in South Sumatra, including Ogan Komering Ulu Selatan. Coffee as the main crop is mixed with various multipurpose trees (MPTS) such as timber, fruit, animal feed and other products that have economic value and are used to meet livelihood needs. This practice provides a kind of safety net and a source of income for farmers destined for land optimization. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the role of multipurpose tree species in land management practices that are beneficial to farmers and the environment. Our preliminary results show that farmers in agroforestry have not practiced good land and crop management by selecting the type and number of MPTS plants planted considering the main crops grown. Farmers only see the empty space between plants or they do it without planning by using makeshift seeds, so the results are not optimal. Farmers only see the empty space between plants or do it without planning using makeshift seeds, so the results are not optimal. Capacity building and knowledge enhancement, as well as policy support, are needed to make MPTS-based agroforestry accessible to smallholder farmers.