•Pagar Alam farmers actively maintain soil fertility and use Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) techniques in agricultural land management, particularly in upland areas. Short-term soil fertility restoration is focused on the use of chemical fertiliser. Technique options and suitability for preventing erosion and landslide to ensure long-term sustainability are severely limited. •Pagar Alam farmers’ positive attitudes should be balanced with information SWC technique options suitable to agricultural land conditions, farming systems, local knowledge, and wisdom, ensuring their easy adoption to maintain long-term soil fertility and water supply. •Chemical/inorganic fertiliser in agriculture should be used only when necessary or recommended, and alternative options of eco-friendly fertilisers should be considered. •Agroforestry systems with commercial commodities, such as coffee in Pagar Alam, can support farmer’s livelihood. Agroforestry system is an agronomic and vegetative SWC technique that, when combined with civil engineering (another SWC technique), can optimally maintain and enhance environmental services in the agricultural landscape. | 
