Diversity, utilization, and sustainable management of wild edible fruit plants in agroforestry systems: a case study in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

This study investigates the diversity, utilization, and sustainable management of wild edible fruit species (WEFs) in agroforestry systems in the Saripoi and Olong Ulu villages of Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the species richness of WEFs, evaluate their contributions to local livelihoods, and identify challenges to sustainable management. Field surveys were conducted in 40 agroforestry home gardens, representing 40 households actively engaged in these systems. Data were gathered through direct observation and interviews with 228 respondents, all of whom manage their agroforestry areas. A total of 61 WEFs from 16 plant families were discovered, with Phyllanthaceae and Moraceae being the most prominent. High-value species such as Durio kutejensis and Artocarpus integer significantly contributed to household income. However, despite these advantages, land tenure insecurity, limited market access, pest management issues, and the erosion of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) pose major threats to the long-term sustainability of agroforestry systems. The decline of TEK is largely attributed to urban migration among younger generations, disrupting the intergenerational transmission of traditional knowledge. Sustainable harvesting strategies, such as selective hand-picking, were found to be effective in preserving productivity, whereas more aggressive methods were linked to lower yields and tree damage. Policy interventions should focus on securing land rights for uncertified land and social forestry areas by accelerating land certification, simplifying permit processes, and strengthening legal recognition of agroforestry to ensure long-term security for smallholder farmers and indigenous communities. In addition, policymakers should prioritize rural infrastructure development, enhance market access, and support the integration of TEK with contemporary agroforestry practices. These strategies are essential for strengthening the ecological and economic sustainability of agroforestry systems while safeguarding rural livelihoods amid socioeconomic transformations.