In the heart of Indonesia’s Yogyakarta province, a silent crisis has been unfolding, one that strikes at the core of smallholder farmers’ livelihoods and the region’s agricultural economy. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, has been wreaking havoc, and a recent study sheds light on its profound socioeconomic impacts.
Agung Triatmojo, a researcher from the Department of Livestock Socioeconomics at Universitas Gadjah Mada, has been delving into the intricacies of FMD’s impact on smallholder cattle farmers. His study, published in the journal Veterinary Sciences (translated from Indonesian as “Ilmu Veteriner”), reveals that FMD is not just a health issue but a socioeconomic challenge that reshapes farmers’ lives and livelihoods.
The study, which collected data from 992 households, found that FMD significantly alters farmers’ social behavior, encompassing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). “FMD doesn’t just affect the animals; it changes the farmers’ entire approach to livestock management,” Triatmojo explains. This shift in behavior is a coping mechanism, but it also indicates the depth of FMD’s impact.
One of the most striking findings is the economic burden FMD places on farmers. Those whose animals are infected spend an additional IDR 258,000 to IDR 270,000 on treatment compared to their non-infected counterparts. “This is a substantial amount for smallholder farmers, who often live on the margins,” Triatmojo notes. The economic loss is not just about treatment costs; it’s about the ripple effect on farmers’ income and their families’ well-being.
The study also identified specific farmer characteristics that heighten the risk of FMD infection. These include women’s decision-making, income levels, farming group participation, and cattle ownership. This finding is crucial as it points to targeted areas for intervention. “By understanding these risk factors, we can prioritize farmers in FMD control programs and mitigate the disease’s spread,” Triatmojo says.
The research underscores the need for comprehensive FMD control strategies that consider both the disease’s biological aspects and its socioeconomic dimensions. It also highlights the importance of supporting smallholder farmers, who are often the most vulnerable to such outbreaks.
As for the future, this research could shape developments in livestock management and disease control. It calls for a holistic approach that integrates health, economics, and social factors. Moreover, it emphasizes the need for policies that protect and empower smallholder farmers, ensuring they are not left to bear the brunt of such diseases alone.
In the face of FMD, smallholder farmers in Yogyakarta are not just fighting a disease; they are battling an economic and social challenge. But with targeted interventions and support, they can turn the tide and secure their livelihoods and the region’s agricultural future.