The role of candlenuts in sustaining rural livelihoods from forests to household welfare

Abstract

Abstract. Abdullah, Makkarennu, Syahidah. 2026. The role of candlenuts in sustaining rural livelihoods from forests to household welfare. Asian J For 10: r100101. https://doi.org/10.13057/asianjfor/r100101. The utilization of candlenuts (Aleurites moluccanus) represents a sustainable livelihood strategy for forest-adjacent communities, contributing to both household income and food security while promoting the diversification of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). However, despite the widespread use of candlenuts in rural economies, empirical evidence remains limited on how candlenut utilization simultaneously affects household welfare and the sustainability of forest resources, particularly within community-managed forest landscapes. Addressing this empirical gap, this study examines the sustainability potential and economic contribution of candlenut utilization to rural livelihoods, as well as its implications for household welfare. The study was conducted within the Limited Production Forest (LPF) managed by the Maros Protected Forest Management Unit (PFMU) in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Primary data were collected from 17 farmer members, representing all active candlenut farmers within the local Forest Farmers Group (FFG), through field surveys, interviews, and document reviews. The data were analyzed using a physical balance approach, income contribution analysis, and the household welfare index based on rice equivalent. The findings indicate that most respondents possessed an initial reserve of fewer than 40 candlenut trees, with depletion rates exceeding tree additions resulting in declining and increasingly constrained resource conditions that indicate high harvesting pressure. Economically, candlenuts provide the highest income among local commodities such as corn and cocoa, with 58.82% of farmers classified as highly dependent on candlenut-based activities. The welfare assessment indicates that the majority of farmer households (64.71%) fall within the adequate category, while 23.53% are classified as nearly poor and 11.76% have attained a decent living standard. Overall, the findings contribute to knowledge on NTFPs and household welfare by integrating sustainability and income analyses, showing that candlenut supports rural livelihoods but faces increasing sustainability pressures.