Indigenous Agricultural Practices: Sweet Potato Cultivation Among the Arfak Tribe in Gueintuy, West Papua

Abstract

Sweet potato serves as a staple crop and holds cultural and economic significance for the tribe, reflecting their deep connection to the local environment. This study explores the indigenous agricultural practices of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivation among the Arfak Tribe in Gueintuy Village, West Papua. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research documents traditional farming techniques, assesses the challenges faced by farmers, and evaluates the potential for integrating sustainable practices. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations. The findings reveal that the Arfak tribe employs traditional farming methods such as shifting cultivation and crop rotation to maintain soil productivity. There is existing interrelationship between gender, education levels, and land ownership in the community. Basic education is most common and heavily linked to larger farmland sizes, emphasizing the role of primary education in agricultural livelihoods. Meanwhile, higher education (university) is less represented and may indicate a shift away from farming toward other opportunities. There are diversities of farming experience among men and women and how it correlates with the type of crops grown. Farmers with extensive experience focus on crops and vegetables, while fruit farming is practiced by individuals across all experience levels. This distribution can inform strategies for targeted training and support based on the type of crop and experience level of farmers. Labor division reflects traditional gender roles, with men handling physically intensive work and women focusing on crop care and harvesting. Kids participate minimally, focusing only on lighter tasks like nursing and harvesting