Integrating traditional ecological knowledge and participatory planning in bamboo resource development: A case from indigenous communities in West Papua, Indonesia

Ajoi, Melianus and Maturbongs, Rudi A. and Ungirwalu, Antoni and Wurarah, Rully N (2025) Integrating traditional ecological knowledge and participatory planning in bamboo resource development: A case from indigenous communities in West Papua, Indonesia. World Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology and Sciences, 16 (1). pp. 498-512. ISSN 2582-8266

Bamboo is a multifunctional plant with great potential to support sustainable livelihoods, especially in rural areas and indigenous communities. In West Papua, bamboo utilization is still traditional and has not been productively integrated into the local economy. This study analyzes bamboo's potential, perceptions, and community-based development strategies by combining social, economic, cultural, and ecological approaches. The method used is an exploratory mixed-methods approach, with data collection techniques including a quantitative survey of 27 respondents, in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and group discussion forums. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, qualitative thematic analysis, and integrative joint display techniques. The results indicate that bamboo is used mainly for construction, food, and traditional needs; however, its contribution to household income remains low (<25%) due to limited market access, production tools, and technical capacity. Most community members expressed support for bamboo conservation and high expectations for the government’s role in training, institutional development, and product marketing. By integrating the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF), Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM), and Political Ecology theoretical frameworks, this study concludes that bamboo development requires participatory strategies, local capacity building, and inclusive affirmative policies. Bamboo has the potential as an ecological and cultural commodity supporting sustainable development if managed collaboratively and contextually.