Edible Bird’s Nests: A Way for Sustainable Agricultural Livelihood in Indonesia

Abstract

Edible bird’s nests (EBNs) have been traditionally produced in Southeast Asia and consumed in China. Indonesian farmers construct buildings for swiftlet birds and harvest their nests. EBNs are natural and sustainable farming products, while many other agricultural expansions rely on the degradation of natural resources. Using satellite data on forest extent in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, and linking the datasets with our survey data on EBN production, this study measures production efficiency and then identifies the natural and social factors that enhance production performance. The results show that natural factors, such as forest extent and the existence of ponds, are positively associated with EBNs’ production efficiency. These natural resources could help swiftlets to collect food and build nests. On the contrary, while EBNs are a sustainable and profitable farming option, the initial costs necessary for constructing a building to house the swiftlets may negatively impact farmers’ participation in the process.

Keywords: Edible bird’s nest; Swiftlet; Indonesia; Forest; Natural habitat; Ecosystem services

JEL Classification: Q01; O13; Q21