Aren (Arenga pinnata (Wurmb) Merr.): traditional management system in Batang Toru, North Sumatra and Tomohon, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Aren or sugarpalm (Arenga pinnata (Wurmb) Merr.) is a multipurpose palm species found across tropical Asia which is traditionally utilized as source of livelihoods in Indonesia such as in Batang Toru landscape, North Sumatra and Tomohon district, North Sulawesi. Interestingly, despites of (Wurmb) Merr.) is a multipurpose palm species found across tropical Asia which is traditionally utilized as source of livelihoods in Indonesia such as in Batang Toru landscape, North Sumatra and Tomohon district, North Sulawesi. Interestingly, despites of aren sustainable contribution to local livelihoods, indigenous domestication efforts have been limited. Thus, traditional aren management systems were studied to understand the regeneration and management practices of aren trees in the landscape. Data on aren tree management across the landscape, aren's role to local livelihood, and local ecological knowledge of aren management were collected through interviews with key farmers, focus group discussion, and direct observations (transect walk). Results show no significant different in aren traditional tree management between sites, however farmers in Batang Toru harvest more diverse aren products than in Tomohon because of the better market opportunities. In the study sites, two types of aren tree regeneration were identified, i.e. a) natural regeneration, b) transplanted regeneration. Under current conditions, natural regeneration is most practiced by farmers. Farmers perceive aren as an abundant natural asset that is best regenerated by wildlife. Potential improvements in smallholder aren productivity are best by managing aren trees density and selecting superior germplasm. This paper provides best options for domesticating the non timber forest product (NTFP) species for community-based reforestation and livelihood enhancement in Indonesia.

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