Integrating Styrax-Coffee Agroforestry System and Apiculture as Alternative Source of Livelihood for Communities in Lake Toba Catchment Area, North Sumatra

Abstract

: The environmental degradation in the Lake Toba Water Catchment is multidimensional, so the recovery effort requires a holistic and integrative approach. Based on its multifunction, agroforestry system has potential for ecological regulation as well as community economic development through bee cultivation. This study aims to illustrate the potential of apiculture practices in agroforestry system in Lake Toba. The research was conducted on coffee-styrax-agroforestry system integrated with Apis and Trigona beekeeping in Aek Nauli, Simalungun, Humbang Hasundutan and Pakpak Bharat, North Sumatra. Results showed that plant diversity in agroforestry system provides feed sources in form of nectar and resin for Apis and Trigona bees. Each Trigona colony produces 30-70 g propolis every two weeks which typical flavor of Styrax incense. Whereas from Apis bee cultivation obtained an average 0.3 liters of honey each stup at two weekly harvest. From this integrated practice, farmers earn income Rp1,2 to 2,4 million per month, the welfare improvement considering bee maintenance is relatively easy and minimal time allocation. The laying of bee colonies around coffee gardens also increase fruit production by flowering intensify. Beekeeping in the agroforestry system opens opportunities for alternative livelihood development, optimization land productivity, as well as increased public nutritional security.