The Existence of Farming Types in Dryland Agriculture in Timor, Indonesia

Timor Island is part of the East Nusa Tenggara province in Southeast Indonesia. This island is one of several large islands in East Nusa Tenggara which is climatologically included in the semi-arid area. The agroecological conditions have formed a specific dry climate dry land farming system. This study has been carried out to get an idea of the farming type within the scope of the farming system in Timor Island. This study used a survey method by collecting data and information on 370 farmers as respondents as randomly selected and assisted by a list of prepared questions. The data and information were covered the following aspects: (i). farmer characteristics; (ii). type of farming and orientation; (iv). commodity types and cropping pattern (v). planting patterns and cropping calendars, and (vi). farm management. Furthermore, all the data and information were tabulated and analyzed descriptively. It was concluded that most types of farming in East Nusa Tenggara are mixed farming, where this type of farming cultivates several commodities including livestock in one or several farming locations. This type of farming is part of an adaptation strategy to the agroecological environment in a semi-arid area by local farmers. At this stage, the farming orientation has shifted from previously being subsistence to a slight change towards commercial orientation. However, the farm performance was still classified as unproductive. This farming hasfaced with some challenges, namely the limited productive workforce, very simple cultivation management and not supported by cultivation technology/innovation, and the lack of available capital. There are no visible signs of an Integrated Farming System (IFS), even though IFS components are available for use.