Rationale
Agroforestry is commonly defined as a dynamic system involving integration of agricultural crops and/or livestock with tree plantation for the purpose of increased total land productivity. It has the function of meeting the social and economic needs of both the forest and agriculture on the same piece of land. The various benefits of agroforestry include preserving bio-diversity, soil enrichment, generating extra income, better cash flow management, and better and more sustainable return on investment. Above all, agroforestry practice maximises land use and optimises labour over a longer period.
In recognition of the above, the Malaysian government has emphasised the need to optimise land productivity through a more intensive land-use such as by integrating livestock rearing with agricultural plantation, or by adopting agroforestry practices. The Second Sabah Agricultural Policy also recognises the need to enhance land productivity.
Various government departments and agencies in Malaysia are involved in the promotion of agroforestry practices. However, it has been observed that there was generally inadequate coordination among them. There is therefore a need to set up a one-stop centre to act as a referral and resource centre relating to the agroforestry approach.
At the inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee on Agro-Industrial Development in Sabah held on 11th August 2000, the Chief Minister, as chairman of the Steering Committee agreed to the setting up of the Coordinating Committee on Agroforestry One-Stop Centre in Sabah and appointed the Secretary of Natural Resources as Chairman of the Co-ordinating Committee. The objectives, scope of work, and members of the Co-ordinating Committee are as follows:
Objectives
(a) To oversee the setting up of the Agroforestry One-Stop Centre (AOSC);
(b) To manage and supervise the AOSC during the interim period; and
(c) To provide periodical progress report to the Steering Committee on Sabah Agro-Industrial Development.
Scope of Work
(a) To identify additional members who can contribute to the achievement of the objectives and function of the Committee;
(b) To determine the modus operandi and logistic of AOSC;
(c) To monitor the development and progress of AOSC;
(d) To ensure the objectives of AOSC are fulfilled; and
(e) To act as a forum for discussion among stakeholders on issues and challenges faced by the agroforestry sector.
Members of the Co-ordinating Committee
Chairman : Secretary, Natural Resources, Chief Minister’s Department
Members : Department of Agriculture, Sabah
Department of Forestry, Sabah
Department of Veterinary Services and Animal Industry, Sabah
Department of Environmental Conservation, Sabah
Department of Lands and Surveys, Sabah
Sabah Forestry Development Authority (SAFODA)
Sabah Forest Industries (SFI) Sdn Bhd
Korporasi Pembangunan Desa (KPD)
Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB)
MARDI, Sabah
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
FELDA Wilayah Sahabat
FELCRA Berhad Wilayah Sabah
Yayasan Sabah
Borneo Samudera Sdn. Bhd.
Department of Fisheries
Sabah Rubber Industry Board
Secretariat : Institute for Development Studies (Sabah), IDS.