Dynamics of small ruminant production. A case study of Central Java, Indonesia

Indonesia is a country where small ruminants play an important role in the livelihoods of rural people and in the population's religious festivities. This paper presents driving forces for small ruminant development in Central Java, from both historical and current perspectives. Agro-ecological conditions and the intensification of land use have had a major impact on the type of small ruminants kept and on the management of animals. Conditions in the household, household members and time available are major factors determining whether or not farmers keep small ruminants. The prospects for small ruminants, in particular goats, are most promising in the uplands.