Accelerating livelihood and environmental recovery in Aceh and Nias through tree crops

Aceh remains one of the poorest provinces in Indonesia despite its rich natural resources. The 3-decade long political conflict, economic isolation, lack of technology and weak institutional setups are part of the reasons. The long political dispute between the government and the Free Aceh Movement (or GAM) killed nearly 15,000 people, displaced more than 35,000 households and caused serious damage and deterioration of infrastructure. The 2004 earthquake and tsunami thus occurred in a province that was already experienci ng large-scale disaster, damage and poverty. There is much disparity in the poverty of people living in the coastal areas and those living further upland. About 54% of the people live inland and nearly 94% of them rely on agriculture compared to 55% in the coastal areas. On average 76% of total household income is based on agricultural activities and tree crops are the most important providing 60 to 78% of total household income. Rubber, cocoa, areca nuts, coffee, coconut and oil palm are important income generating tree crops. These tree crops are fundamental to the economic prosperity in Aceh and Nias. Many of the environmental problems in the post-disast er context cannot be solved through short- term measures and only through conservation oriented programs. A focus on “trees people want” and tree-based systems and how su ch forest and agroforest systems can be managed in a sustainable manner is a key to accelerating livelihood recovery and economic and environmental recovery in Aceh and Nias

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