Conceptualization of Traditional Knowledge for Adoptive and Sustainable Agriculture by the Indigenous Basap Dayak, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

This research was conducted in 2019 in the indigenous Basap Dayak community of East Kalimantan, Indonesia.  The objectives of the study were to explore the traditional knowledge and wises, and to formulate adaptive and productive agriculture under the external pressures to agricultural land. Data were collected through household survey and Focus Group Discussion, and analyzed using descriptive qualitative method. Research findings were that the Basap community has traditional knowledge in practicing Swidden agriculture at every stage of work from land selection to post-harvesting.  The traditional knowledge already formulated to use under the environmental changes and external pressure. The traditional knowledge was still effective to practice in maintaining the productivity of land under the external pressure. It is recommended that young generation of the Basap should be informed to the traditional knowledge, and the external parties including coal mining, industrial forest plantation and even District government should recognize and facilitate the Basap community in sustaining their traditional way of life.