Livestock production in East Nusa Tenggara: potential of small animals in integrated rural development programs

摘要

This paper reviews the potential, opportunities and constraints in rearing small animals for integrated rural development based on experiences and review of studies. This review may prove useful for developing the potential of small animal husbandry particularly for farmers, partnerships and activities models. Small animals such as goats, sheep, local chickens, pigs and ducks are potentially a major component of integrated rural development. Fanners generally have low education levels so need continuing advice and guidance to develop agribusiness acumen. Programs for rearing small animals in rural areas should be managed within a cooperative system with diversification activities, and sustained with wise management based on agribusiness principles. There is a need for cooperation from supporting and skilled partners in order to ameliorate problems and realise opportunities. These outcomes are important for integrated rural development programs, with small animals as the basic unit of rural animal industries.