Analysing the sustainability of swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis carabauesis) farming as a protein source and germplasm

Abstract The swamp buffalo is a valuable genetic resource and an important source of animal protein in Indonesia. Unfortunately, their population is decreasing due to problems attributed to conventional farming systems. The objective of the study was to examine the sustainability of swamp buffalo farming and identify the attributes that influence its sustainability. Data were collected through a focus group discussion involving experts and business actors in swamp buffalo farming and a survey on buffalo farmers. The study examined 52 attributes within 6 dimensions: ecological, economic, social, technological, institutional, and welfare dimensions. The data were analysed using multidimensional scaling through the Rapid Appraisal for Swamp Buffalo technique. The results of the study demonstrate that swamp buffalo farming in Hulu Sungai Utara (HSU), Hulu Sungai Selatan (HSS), and Hulu Sungai Tengah (HST) districts in South Kalimantan province has sustainability indices of 51.70, 53.13, and 48.87%, respectively. This study identified 12 leverage attributes that are very influential to the sustainability of swamp buffalo farming, i.e., climatic conditions, land suitability, marketing, income from swamp buffalo farming, mutual assistance, education level, processing technology, reproduction technology, the role of local government, capital institutions, programs from central government, and farmers’ welfare. Swamp buffalo farming in HSU and HSS is moderately sustainable, while in HST, it is less sustainable, suggesting improvement in the key factors influencing the sustainability of swamp buffalo farming. This study offers valuable insights for the government in formulating policies and programs for developing swamp buffalo farming and conserving swamp buffalo germplasm.