Can We Simultaneously Restore Peatlands and Improve Livelihoods? Exploring Community Home Yard Innovations in Utilizing Degraded Peatland

community to both earn a livelihood and protect the peatland. In this study we assessed a range
of technologies applied by 14 farmers at Tumbang Nusa village, Central Kalimantan province, in
managing degraded peatlands in their home yard for agricultural business. The study shows that
for endemic peatland species, good success can be achieved if they are planted directly. However,
for species endemic to mineral land, there are four technologies applied by farmers in managing
degraded peatland. The choice of technologies is influenced by their economic capacity/cash flow
flexibility and their understanding of peatlands. Technologies intended to adapt to land inundation
include the use of polybags, development of raised beds, and making peat mounds with mineral
soil in the centre. Technologies to address the acidity and soil fertility include amelioration with
dolomite lime and fertilizer. The use of polybags filled with peat soil is the easiest technology to
adopt and can be conducted by all family members. However, a farmer’s choice of technology needs
to always consider the potential environmental impacts in addition to increasing soil fertility so that
peat conservation is maintained