Sakut Lorista, Arya Hadi Dharmawan

Rural Community Livelihood Around Kerinci Seblat National Park: The Study of Access and Socio-Ecological Relationship of Farming Households in Kota Baru Village, Uram Jaya Sub-district, Lebong Regency, Bengkulu

Introduction

Rural community livelihood around kerinci seblat national park: the study of access and socio-ecological relationship of farming households in kota baru village, uram jaya sub-district, lebong regency, bengkulu. Discover how rural farming households sustain livelihoods near Kerinci Seblat National Park. This study details their access to forest resources and complex socio-ecological relationships.

Abstract

Forests hold diverse meanings and functions, serving both as natural resources and as critical sources of livelihood for local communities. Beyond providing essential raw materials that sustain human life, forests play a fundamental role in maintaining ecosystem functions and biodiversity. For indigenous peoples and rural populations residing in forest-adjacent areas, forests are deeply embedded in cultural practices and traditional knowledge, shaping their ways of life. In addition to their ecological significance, forests also serve as vital sources of livelihood for local communities. The residents of Kota Baru Village, for instance, depend on the resources of the Kerinci Seblat National Park (TNKS) forest area. Consequently, despite legal restrictions, they continue to engage in agricultural activities within the protected area. This study examines the livelihood structures, access mechanisms, and socio-ecological relationships of farming households surrounding the Kerinci Seblat National Park. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research findings indicate that resource extraction—through agriculture and forest product collection—contributes significantly to household incomes. Farming households utilize four primary mechanisms to access forest resources within the national park: capital, technology, social identity, and market engagement. This access has fostered intricate socio-ecological relationships between households and the forest, which manifest in three distinct forms: co-existence, subsistence, and exploitation.

Review

This study critically examines the intricate relationship between rural communities and the Kerinci Seblat National Park (TNKS), focusing specifically on farming households in Kota Baru Village. By investigating livelihood structures, access mechanisms, and socio-ecological relationships, the authors delve into a crucial topic at the nexus of conservation and rural development. The abstract effectively highlights the complex dependence of local populations on forest resources, even within a legally protected area, underscoring the enduring tension between environmental protection mandates and local livelihood imperatives. The employment of a mixed-methods approach signals a robust methodology capable of capturing the multifaceted dynamics inherent in such human-environment interactions. The findings presented are particularly insightful, offering a structured understanding of how communities engage with protected natural resources. The identification of resource extraction, through both agriculture and forest product collection, as a significant contributor to household incomes provides a strong empirical basis for the necessity of these activities. A key strength lies in articulating four distinct mechanisms for accessing park resources—capital, technology, social identity, and market engagement—which provides a valuable framework for analyzing resource access beyond simple geographic proximity. Furthermore, the categorization of socio-ecological relationships into co-existence, subsistence, and exploitation offers a nuanced typology that can inform policy and practice regarding sustainable resource management and community engagement. Overall, this research promises a substantial contribution to the understanding of protected area management, rural livelihoods, and human-environment interactions in biodiversity hotspots. While the abstract clearly outlines the significant insights into access mechanisms and the forms of socio-ecological relationships, the full paper would benefit from elaborating on the specific policy implications stemming from these findings. Understanding the leverage points within 'capital' or 'social identity' for intervention, or the specific triggers that shift a relationship from 'subsistence' to 'exploitation,' will be crucial for translating research into actionable conservation and development strategies. This study provides an essential foundation for addressing the complex challenges faced by forest-adjacent communities and conservation authorities alike.

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