Livestock component farming systems research in Java—The case for work with women

Close farmer contact is a vital element in livestock component farming systems research in Java. Slow progress so far in livestock development may be partly associated with practical difficulties in achieving the degree of farmer contact needed in livestock research, while working mainly with male stock-rearers. Most men rearers in Java spend most daylight hours working away from home and their stock, and feel too busy to become involved in trials of new livestock technology.

The advantages of involving women in village livestock research include ease of communication during daylight working hours, interest amongst women (and some training) in nutrition, health and reproduction, and the ability of women to manage animals in farm trials requiring constant supervision. In some villages women are already involved in group activities, which can form a ready basis for the communication of ideas on livestock improvement.

The potential for improving productivity of Javanese livestock has been demonstrated under research station conditions, yet little improvement in village livestock production has been achieved. One approach to increasing progress in livestock development could be to promote research which involves women rearers or the wives of rearers. This may require special efforts to encourage women scientists to work in villages.