This is the last photo essay of a three-part series that highlights the situation in Indonesia during the haze season.

Pak Barus used to be a regular farmer who used the slash and burn method to clear his land.

That was – and for many still is – a way of life and the fastest method of clearing land for many

villagers in Riau, one of the epicentres of the haze season last year.

While firefighting capabilities have been upgraded to provide some immediate respite, education is key in the long-term fight against haze.

For Asia Pulp and Paper (APP), concessions under its charge were educated on sustainable methods of growing crops such as agroforestry, which means planting crops with trees.

The company also gave villagers like Pak Barus a start up capital to get equipment like a tractor for his farm which he manages by himself.

Now, he is a proud father of a 6-year- old daughter and is ever grateful for the support and training which in turn increases his business of selling produce like melons, corns, cucumbers, and long beans back to the local community.

In the Pinang Sebatang village, local farmer Suryono was granted a piece of land to manage in 2008 with support to grow different kinds of rubber trees, fruits, and vegetables.

He employs about 6 people from the village to help him out in his farm. Perhaps a sight that business is doing well is watching his children play with a remote controlled toy – a rare commodity in rural areas. Suryono also said that although villagers now know better to rid rubbish by burning there are still some irresponsible people burning trash.

He said: “Sometimes the fishermen burn their trash near the canals and they leave halfway. So the

fire starts spreading and it becomes out of control when everything is so dry around these parts.”

1. Pak Barus surrounded by the leaves of his cucumber plants

2. Harvesting cucumbers for sale

3. Pak Barus and his family stay in a simple home, with his harvest just outside the door

4. The house is devoid of furniture except for the old TV and stereo in the corner

5. Pak Barus’s wife mans the stall while he's out in the fields

6. He is grateful for APP’s help with the funds to improve his family’s quality of life

7. Suryono (in green) sits with his fellow workers during a break

8. His children playing with a remote controlled toy, a rare commodity in rural areas

9. He grows fruits like papayas and...

10. ...rubber trees as a living

11. One of his workers walking back after a hard day’s work of planting and harvesting

If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest updates.

This sponsored post fuels the Mothership.