Investigating wildlife crop pests and farmers' willingness to pay for pest management in the Batang Toru Forest, Indonesia

Abstract

Effective pest regulation is crucial for sustainable agriculture and livelihoods in agricultural landscapes. This study aims to understand the challenges faced by farmers, the strategies they employ, and their willingness to contribute to managing pest-related issues in the Batang Toru region. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 125 randomly selected respondents from five villages between 2020 and 2022. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyze the survey data, and farmers' willingness to pay (WTP) was assessed using a choice experiment method. The findings reveal the diverse range of challenges and strategies associated with pest regulation in various crops, including peanuts, paddy, durian, banana, and bitter bean farming. Wildlife pests such as wild boars, non-human primates, and birds were identified as significant contributors to crop damages and losses. Farmers employed physical barriers, scare tactics, repellents and deterrents, traps, and lethal means to mitigate these challenges. Most farmers expressed their readiness to contribute financially, with a preference for in-kind rewards such as paddy and benzoin over cash payments. The findings highlight the complex and context-specific nature of pest management strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding local ecological dynamics and cultural factors when designing interventions.