Logo image
Back
The role of honey hunting in supporting subsistence livelihoods in Sumbawa, Indonesia
Journal article   Peer reviewed

The role of honey hunting in supporting subsistence livelihoods in Sumbawa, Indonesia

Cooper Schouten, David Lloyd, Ida Ansharyani, Mimi Salminah, Douglas Somerville and Kerrie Stimpson
Geographical Research, Vol.58(1), pp.64-76
2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1745-5871.12380
url
The role of honey hunting in supporting subsistence livelihoods in Sumbawa, IndonesiaView
Published (Version of record)

Related links

Metrics

9 Times Cited - Web of Science

Abstract

community‐based forest management honey hunting sustainability subsistence giant Asian honey bee (Apis dorsata) Indonesia
Honey from the giant Asian honey bee (Apis dorsata) has been harvested by communities throughout Southeast Asia for centuries. In Indonesia, 80 per cent of the national supply of honey comes from Sumbawa; however, there is limited information regarding the sustainability and importance of honey hunting in supporting rural livelihoods. This study used semi‐structured interviews and questionnaires to examine honey hunting and forest honey production in Sumbawa. It evaluates the economic and cultural importance, opportunities, and constraints of honey hunting and prompts us to suggest that income generation from honey plays a critical role in supporting rural communities. Of respondents, 83 per cent reported that income from honey was essential and accounts for 68 per cent of cash income. Yet honey hunters were harvesting using destructive methods under dangerous conditions and are subject to unpredictable market prices and fluctuating yields. Unlike situations in other areas of Indonesia, no system of customary law was found to exist that defines ownership of honey trees and the right to harvest from them. Limited access to market information, high moisture content of honey, and limited training and extension services were identified as key constraints. Future research exploring the sustainability of harvesting practices and mechanisms for improving profitability of honey hunters would be valuable.

Details

Logo image