Participation of Sumbawanese Women in Cattle Fatening

. The objectives of this study are to assess the change of participation level of Sumbawanese women in cattle fattening using Tarramba leucaena and to assess the role of women in decision making related to cattle farming. The study has involved 20 women participating in cattle fattening activities and was conducted by survey using prepared questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and in-depth interview. The study founded that there is impact of intervention on forage and cattle production system. The intervention stimulates farmers to plant Leucaena on their own lands. Farmers are also stimulated to fatten cattle in pens near their houses. Distance of Leucaena plantation to farmer house is relatively close. The short distance encouraged women to cut and carry Leucaena forages. 87% of Sumbawanese women and 63% of West sumbawanese women involved in the training in planting and management of Leucaena. In Sumbawa district, women participation increased from 42% to 100% in collecting feeds. In West Sumbawa, the participation increased from 8% to 45%.All respondents participate in the decision-making process. The decisions include time to sell cattle, selling price and use of money from selling cattle. The change of production system from extensive to cut and carry system and the availability of forages (Leucaena) close to the house has increased women participation. As a result, the workload of men has now been shared with women so male farmers can have more time to do off farm work or simply enjoy free time.