Traditional Knowledge and Community-Led Watershed Conservation in Coffee Agroforestry Systems: A Case Study of Upstream Merawu Watershed

¹ Department of Forest Resource Conservation, Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia
² Department of Bioenvironmental System Engineering, College of Bioresources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
³ Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Increasing land degradation, climate variability, and the expansion of intensive agriculture in upstream areas highlight the urgent need for sustainable land management strategies to maintain watershed functions and agricultural productivity. This study examines traditional knowledge and community-led soil and water conservation (SWC) practices within coffee agroforestry systems in Binangun Village, Upper Merawu Watershed, Central Java, Indonesia. The research aims to evaluate the conservation strategies implemented by farmers and identify the factors influencing the adoption of these practices. Data were collected through structured interviews with 30 coffee farmers, supported by field observations and aerial drone verification. The results show that farmers implement integrated SWC strategies combining vegetative, mechanical, and agronomic techniques, including shade tree management, terracing, infiltration pits (rorak), organic fertilization, mulching, and crop diversification. These practices contribute to erosion control, soil fertility improvement, microclimate regulation, and long-term land productivity. The adoption of conservation practices is influenced by economic considerations, environmental conditions, local knowledge, and institutional support such as farmer groups and agricultural extension services. However, economic pressure and labour shortages can encourage some farmers to shift toward intensive vegetable cultivation with lower conservation value. These findings indicate that community-based coffee agroforestry systems can serve as an effective approach for sustainable watershed management and climate change adaptation in upstream areas.