Perceptions and Participation of Forest Farmer Groups in Community Forest Management in Majene District, West Sulawesi

Abstract

Abstract Community Forest (CF) is one of Indonesia’s social forestry schemes designed to enhance community welfare through participatory and sustainable forest resource management. This study aims to: (1) assess the perceptions of Forest Farmer Group (FFG) members toward CF management; (2) analyze their participation levels in planning, implementation, and utilization stages; and (3) examine the relationship between perception and participation in CF management in Majene Regency, West Sulawesi. Data were obtained through observation, interviews, and a five-point Likert scale questionnaire administered to 30 purposively selected respondents. Quantitative analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and the Spearman correlation test. The results show that the average perception score was 84.83 (good category), with the most positive perceptions found in economic, social, and ecological benefit dimensions. The average participation score was 82.37 (high category), particularly in group planning, communal work, and institutional strengthening, although ecological conservation participation remained moderate. Spearman’s test indicated a significant positive correlation between perception and participation (ρ = 0.573; p = 0.001), suggesting that more positive perceptions of CF are associated with higher participation levels. These findings highlight the need to strengthen community perceptions through education and institutional empowerment to promote active and sustainable community-based forest management.

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