Editor: Nicholas Goodwin
East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is best known for its awe inspiring tourism attractions, such as the komodo dragons, beautiful islands and diving landscapes. However, NTT’s economy is underpinned by agricultural commodities, with 30.32% of income (BPS, 2022), employing more than 64% of the population (BPS, 2023). Tio support the future of these commodities, Tulodo is undertaking a study on the pig, cattle, and maize markets in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) in collaboration with the PRISMA program. PRISMA (The Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Promoting Rural Incomes through Support for Markets in Agriculture) is funded by the Australian Government through DFAT. Tulodo’s study is an important contribution towards informed policy development for sustainable market growth, particularly as PRISMA approaches its conclusion in 2024.
This study not only aims to provide recommendations for market efficiency but also seeks to directly enhance the livelihoods of local farmers by addressing specific obstacles they face, such as market access, farming costs, and technological limitations. By focusing on actionable solutions, Tulodo and PRISMA aim to create pathways for improved welfare and sustainability among NTT’s agricultural communities.
With a robust presence in NTT’s livestock sector since 2014, PRISMA has garnered invaluable insights into the complexities of pig, cattle, and maize markets in the region. Leveraging this wealth of experience and data, the collaborative effort between PRISMA and the Provincial Government of NTT aims to shape policies conducive to the long-term prosperity of these vital commodities. The team consisted of experts from Gadjah Mada University and Politani Kupang, including Dr. Eka Tarwaca Susila Putra, and Yohannis Harry Dimu Heo who served as maize commodity experts; Prof. Ir. Bambang Suwignyo and Prof. Dr. Bernadete Barek Koten, who served as experts on beef cattle; Dr. Parsaoran Silalahi, Prof. Dr. Dra. R. Iis Arifiantini, and Dr. drh. Petrus Malo Bulu, who served as experts on pig commodities; and Prof. Daniel Daud Kameo, and Prof. Dr. Ir. Ali Agus, who served as experts on agricultural commodity policy in NTT.
Mr Maman Saputra, Tulodo’s Research Manager, said, “The significance of this study stems from its comprehensive understanding of the current state of the pig, cattle, and maize markets. By identifying challenges and opportunities within these sectors, the study aims to lay the groundwork for evidence-based recommendations that foster sustainable development and enrich the livelihoods of local farmers.”
One of the primary goals of the study is to identify obstacles hindering livelihood improvement among farmers in NTT. Through the examination of factors such as market inefficiencies, regulatory barriers, and socio-economic constraints, Tulodo seeks to pinpoint areas requiring intervention. By advocating for sustainable farming practices, the study endeavors to enhance farmers’ livelihoods while ensuring the enduring viability of agricultural activities.
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