風土、知識與族群韌性：檳城浮羅山背榴槤小農種植的民族誌研究

Terroir, Knowledge, and Ethnic Resilience: An Ethnographic Study of Durian Cultivation among Smallholders in Balik Pulau, Penang

本文透過以客家人為主的榴槤園主／種植者的深度訪談敘事，關注馬來西亞檳城浮羅山背的小型榴槤園業，以此所開展兩層問題意識。其一，探索檳城浮羅山背及周圍區域盛行的小型榴槤園，其特殊性與發展路徑，如何體現在地域環境特性、種植者的族群文化、家庭背景、資源差異，以及對於榴槤園差異的想像及行動。而這背後又浮現何種客家及其周邊族群的在地特性與韌性？其二，以檳城浮羅為田野，關注浮羅山背的氣候、風土，及採用的慣行農法、種植的品種等，如何形塑種植者與榴槤之間的關係。在這過程中，榴槤園如何成為一個具體的微宇宙─在有限的土地邊界裡，蘊含了各式各樣，有形與無形的人與非人的多物種互動關係，以及知識體系。透過受訪者的生命史敘事、勞動與知識，型塑、思索族群韌性與小農榴槤園子的傳承、知識技術與生態環境的永續價值。

This paper investigates the intricate dynamics of the small-scale durian orchard industry in Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia, employing a qualitative research design centered on in-depth interview narratives from durian orchard owners and growers, a significant portion of whom identify as Hakka. This methodological approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the lived experiences and perspectives of those directly involved in the cultivation process, thereby facilitating the exploration of two interconnected yet distinct lines of inquiry.
The first line of inquiry delves into the unique characteristics and de¬velopmental trajectories of the prevalent small-scale durian orchards within Balik Pulau and its adjacent regions. It seeks to unravel how a confluence of factors shapes the operational landscape and evolution of these agricultural units. These factors include the inherent attributes of the local geographical environment, encompassing soil composition, topography, and microclimatic variations, which significantly influence durian cultivation. Furthermore, the study examines the role of the growers’ethnic cultural heritage, particularly the traditions and practices associated with the Hakka community, in shaping their agricultural practices and land management strategies. Family back¬grounds and intergenerational knowledge transfer are also considered crucial elements influencing orchard management and sustainability. Moreover, the research acknowledges the impact of resource disparities among growers, including access to capital, technology, and market networks, on the scale and intensity of their operations. Finally, it explores the diverse perceptions and aspirations that growers hold regarding their durian orchards, and how these imaginaries translate into tangible actions and management decisions. Un¬derlying this exploration is an investigation into the local characteristics and inherent resilience of the Hakka community and neighboring ethnic groups in the face of socio-economic and environmental challenges within this specific agricultural context.
The second primary line of inquiry shifts the focus to the intricate re¬lationship between the growers and the durian fruit itself, utilizing Penang Island, particularly the agrarian landscape of Balik Pulau, as the primary field site. This part of the study examines how the specific climatic conditions and terroir of Balik Pulau, characterized by its tropical monsoon climate and unique soil profiles, interact with the adopted conventional farming practices and the diverse cultivated varieties of durian. It investigates how these factors collectively shape the cultivation cycle, yield patterns, and the overall qual¬ity of the fruit, thereby influencing the growers’labor practices, economic returns, and perceptions of their livelihoods. Central to this inquiry is the conceptualization of the durian orchard as more than just a site of agricul¬tural production. Instead, it is viewed as a tangible microcosm—a bounded geographical space that encompasses a complex web of tangible and intan¬gible relationships. These relationships extend beyond human interactions to include the ecological interactions between the durian trees, the soil, local fauna, and other elements of the natural environment. Moreover, the orchard embodies accumulated systems of knowledge, both scientific and traditional, pertaining to durian cultivation, pest management, and soil conservation.
Through the detailed analysis of the life stories, daily labor practices, and accumulated knowledge of the interviewed durian growers, this research endeavors to provide nuanced insights into several key themes. These in¬clude the resilience exhibited by local ethnic communities in maintaining their agricultural traditions and livelihoods, the processes involved in the intergenerational inheritance of small-scale durian orchards, the transmission and adaptation of cultivation knowledge and techniques across generations, and the often-overlooked sustainable value of the ecological environment within these agricultural systems. Ultimately, this study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental dimensions of small-scale agriculture in Penang, using the case of the durian industry in Balik Pulau as a compelling example.