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Our research focused on the soil and crop effects as well collecting some basic growth data on Piper aduncum. During the research we talked to many farmers and it became obvious that different farmers had different perceptions. Some liked and used its wood and leaves for various purposes whereas others felt it was an unwanted fallow species.  A comment often heard was that "em mekim graun drai" (it dries the soil) - a finding which we proved in various experiments. No systematic investigation was undertaken on the socio-economics effects of Piper aduncum.

 

 

Thomas Siges, a MSc student from Wageningen University conducted fieldwork near Finschhafen (Saruwaged mountain range) from July to November 2003. He investigated the effects on the livelihoods of farmers in three different villages where Piper aduncum is common. Thomas interviewed a large number of farmers and asked them how they perceive the invasion of Piper aduncum, how they used its products and whether it  has changed their farming systems. The table below shows the significance of plant uses in three study villages.

 

X: Less frequently used.   XX:  Frequently used.  XXX: More frequently used.  (-): Not used.

From: Siges, Hartemink, Hebinck and Allen in Human Ecology (2005)

  

       Sanangac

      Sanzeng

    Tongucboc

Farm uses

 

 

 

Digging stick

XXX

X

-

making fences

XXX

XXX

XX

Stakes

XXX

XXX

XX

Pegs

XX

X

-

Tool handles

XX

XX

X

Soil retention structures

XXX

XXX

XXX

Shade

XX

XXX

X

Helps tillage

XXX

XXX

XX

Good fertilizer

XXX

XX

X

Burn debris

XXX

XXX

XXX

Weed control

 

XXX

X

X

Household uses

 

 

 

Cleaning stains on cooking utensils

XXX

XXX

XXX

Temporary platforms for resting

X

X

X

Ashes used as insecticide

X

X

XX

Leaves used as toilet tissues

XXX

XXX

X

Walking stick

              X 

                     X

                     X

Fire stick

XXX

XXX

XXX

Fuel wood

XXX

XXX

XXX

Rafters for houses

XXX

XXX

X

Poles for buildings

XX

X

-

Cleaning stains on teeth

XX

X

XX

Plant support

XXX

XXX

XX

Sticks for flower bed fences

                X

X

                 X

Making temporary ladders

 

XX

X

-

Services

 

 

 

Attracts wild animals

XX

XXX

XX

Improves soil fertility

X

XX

X

Dries of waterlogged soils

X

X

X

Provides shades

XX

XXX

X

Chases away the leech

X

XX

X

Host to other useful plants

-

X

-

Good sweet potato yield in short fallow

XXX

XX

XX

Provides wind breaks

XX

XX

XX

 

The table shows that Piper aduncum in the three villages is widely used - farmers have no choice as it is dominating the fallow vegetation in many parts. The invasion and dominance of Piper aduncum has some negative effects on rural livelihoods in the study area. This is mainly related to the destruction of the natural forest that is being replaced by secondary fallow vegetation dominated by Piper aduncum, and in part it is due to the loss of natural secondary fallows vegetation. There is loss of social cohesion due the enhanced clearing of the forest, vanishing sacred places, disappearance of certain forest products and the destruction of the natural forest.