Systems analysis of smallholder dairy farming in Banyumas, Indonesia

Abstract Smallholders dominate dairy farming in Indonesia. Over the past decades, milk production has remained relatively stagnant, meeting only 22 percent of the national demand. Consequently, there is an increasing need to enhance the performance of dairy farming. Smallholder dairy farming is a complex system that requires a systematic approach to analysis. This article aims to examine the characteristics of dairy farming systems in Banyumas Regency as a preliminary step in understanding how smallholders effectively manage their limited resources to sustain their dairy operations. The study was conducted using a survey method in Banyumas Regency, Central Java, with a total of 50 respondents interviewed. The analysis was grounded in the framework of livestock production system analysis. The results indicate that dairy farming in Banyumas is predominantly characterized by smallholders, with an average farm size of six animal units per farmer. The Friesian Holstein Crossbred is the only breed utilized and primarily undertaken as an income-generating activity. Crop and dairy farming are both competing and complementary enterprises. The study identified forage and land availability as the main constraints. Strategic development should be based on a systemic approach to ensure a balance between symptomatic and fundamental solutions.