The impact of Agriculture Land Development Programme (ALDP) of Orang Asli resettlement plan scheme (RPS) in Pahang, Malaysia

In the 1960s, Malaysia like other newly independent nations used modernisation of agriculture systems as a priority for its rural development plan. Orang Asli, as one of the target groups were e xposed to commercial and cash crops to replace their traditional ways of farming. The government believed the best way to improve the economic conditions of rural people was to introduce the oil palm, rubber, temperate crops and other commercial plants. The Agriculture Land Development Programme(ALDP) is one of the programmes under the Economic Development Programme implemented by Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) to address the high incidence of poverty among Orang Asli population. The objectives of this study are (1) to identify the level of impact of ALDP and (2) to determine the relationship between selected demographic factor and the impact of ALDP. This study only focuses on Orang Asli who were involved in ALDP oil palm plantation scheme in all RPS in Pahang. This is a descriptive study using the quantitative method of a questionnaire as a tool to collect data from the respondents. This study involved 170 respondents who received monthly dividends between RM400 until RM800. The results of the study revealed that the level of impact is moderate in all aspects discussed. Meanwhile, the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation result showed that income category and land size have significant positive relationship with level of ALDP impact. Some recommendation was made due to results of study for future improvements of ALDP

Selected factors influencing impact of agriculture land development programme on Orang Asli community in Pahang, Malaysia

The main objective of this study was to identify the selected factors influencing impact of Agriculture Land Development Programme (ALDP) on Orang Asli community in Pahang, Malaysia. The impact dimensions are skills relate to oil palm plantations and farm practices, changes in lifestyle, ownership and economic related aspects to Orang Asli in Pahang. The factors such as demographic profile, level of perception of Orang Asli towards ALDP and level of participation of Orang Asli in ALDP management identified. This study also covers on problems and needs of community involved in ALDP. Finally, the study objective is to determine the relationship between selected independent variables and the impact of ALDP. This is a quantitative descriptive study whereby data were gathered using a questionnaire. The survey was conducted for 17 days starting from 21st January until 7th February 2011 in four RPS namely RPS Kedaik, RPS Runchang, RPS Bukit Serok and RPS Buluh Nipis that involved in ALDP oil palm plantation in Pahang state. The study applied random sampling method to identify the respondents. A total of 170 involved in this study. The data was analysed with SPSS including the descriptive statistic and Pearson correlation. The study discovers that the perception level of Orang Asli toward ALDP is moderate with all statements given for perceptions toward objectives of ALDP, development agencies and advantages of ALDP. While the participation level in ALDP management is low in all aspect of management discussed. The problem faced in ALDP and needs are discussed in four sub-topic such as constraint, management, social and employment. Overall, the study revealed that limitation of land, low forest produce, forgotten traditional knowledge relate to forest are most problems faced by Orang Asli. On the other hand, they hope that increment in dividend amount and agriculture land for ALDP and participation in ALDP meeting can meet their needs. The study also shows that level of ALDP impact on Orang Asli socio-economic is moderate. For correlation analysis, the results show that the income, land size, level of perceptions and level of participation in ALDP management have a significant positive relationship with level of ALDP impact. So, these four variables have possibilities can increase the positive of ALDP impact. In short, after more than 20 years of ALDP, Orang Asli can diffuse the commercial crop value in their life as one innovation in order to improve their socio-economic. The moderate level of impact shows the acceptance of respondents toward ALDP. This can be proved by opening own commercial crop rather than depending on ALDP. However, the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) and agriculture agencies with help of government should find the best way to improve this programme in order to achieve the objective of the programme, which is to reduce the poverty level among Orang Asli. Based on the findings, there are some suggestions recommended to improve ALDP

The level of perceptions toward agriculture land development programme among Orang Asli in Pahang, Malaysia

In Malaysia, the government has embarked a diverse and comprehensive development programmes in efforts to develop the life of Orang Asli, the indigenous community in peninsular Malaysia. These programmes include providing budget allocation for houses for the hardcore poor, financial savings scheme, basic amenities and community infrastructure and plantation. Agriculture Land Development Programme (ALDP) was claimed by the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) as main Department activities in an effort to eradicate poverty among the Orang Asli community. The ALDP is still emphasizing in 10th Malaysia Plan as the main tool to address the high incidence of poverty among Orang Asli and certain budget was allocated for this programme. One of the factors that can influence the successful rate of development programme is participant’s perception. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the level of perception of Orang Asli toward ALDP oil palm plantation. This is a quantitative descriptive study whereby data were gathered using a questionnaire. Data was analysed using the SPSS for descriptive and correlation analysis involved 170 respondents. Overall, the finding shows that the level of perception is moderate. Some recommendations were made due to results of study in order to improve the ALDP in future