Selected characteristics of smallholder rubber producers in Aceh Province, Indonesia

The study area was located in Aceh province of Sumatra Island, Indonesia. Each farmer was provided 2 ha for plantation, 0.75 ha for food crops, and 0.25 ha for household area. Sampling was based on age of the rubber trees held by smallholders. Eight groups were defined based on planting dates from 1977-78 through 1986-87, excluding 1984-85 and 1985-86, when no clones were planted. Each group was sampled for data on family characteristics, labor allocation, income, and expenditures. The complex interactions between farm families and agricultural production environment were highlighted. High income and expenditure variations within groups" same planting dates were found due to the number of trees a family received, and the systematic investment and production behavior of family households. The distance to food crop land and presence of wild animals were some of the constraints in optimal use of resources. A more detailed and careful examination is suggested to explain the relationships between characteristics of families and production of rubber and food crops. (Author abstract)