The potential of silvopasture as a solution for food security

Abstract

Background: Indonesia faces multidimensional challenges in food security, especially in the animal food sub-sector, which is still highly dependent on imports. The 21% increase in beef consumption over the past five years has not been matched by adequate domestic production capacity. Dependence on imports of feeder cattle and frozen meat reached 38% of total national demand in 2024. In addition, limited feed land and degradation of natural resources are hampering the growth of the livestock sub-sector. In this context, the silvopasture approach, which integrates forestry and livestock systems, offers a sustainable solution to improve economic productivity, food security, and ecological balance. Methods: This study uses literature review and policy analysis methods on several scientific publications, national policies (KLHK, Kementan, Bappenas), as well as quantitative data from FAO, BPS, and the World Bank (2020–2025). Findings: Analysis shows that the implementation of silvopasture systems can increase land productivity by up to 40%, feed cost efficiency by 25%, and farmer income by 30%. If implemented nationally across 1 million hectares, the potential reduction in beef imports could reach 600,000 tons and create 250,000 new green jobs by 2030. This paper recommends the development of a National Silvopasture Policy Framework through the integration of cross-sectoral policies, fiscal incentives, green financing, and capacity building for farmer-rancher institutions. Conclusion: From an economic perspective, silvopasture can increase farmer income by up to 30%, reduce feed costs by up to 25%, and contribute to a reduction in national beef imports. Ecologically, this system improves soil structure, increases organic matter content, and absorbs significant amounts of carbon. Socially, silvopasture strengthens the rural economy and creates new jobs based on sustainable natural resources. Novelty/Originality of this article: To date, there is no national policy framework that explicitly regulates silvopasture management. Social Forestry and Cattle Self-Sufficiency policies are still running separately, without institutional integration that supports cross-sectoral land management. Therefore, a more comprehensive and evidence-based policy approach is needed to make silvopasture an integral part of the national food security strategy.