Potential Base Areas and Development Strategies for Small Ruminant Livestock in Banyumas Regency, Central Java, Indonesia

Banyumas Regency, located in Central Java Province, Indonesia, has great potential for the development of small ruminant livestock (goats and sheep). The development of small ruminants plays an important role in food security and the rural economy of Banyumas Regency. This study aims to: (1) assess the potential of small ruminant livestock and identify base areas for goat and sheep development in Banyumas Regency; and (2) formulate development strategies for small ruminants. The methods used were surveys and documentation techniques. Surveys were carried out in four selected sub-districts with high goat population. Data were collected through literature studies, field observations, and interviews with farmers and policymakers. The collected data were analyzed using trend analysis, Location Quotient (LQ) analysis, and SWOT analysis. The results show that the goat population tends to decline, with the trend equation Y = 230786 − 5556.5X and R² = 0.4485. Conversely, the sheep population shows an increasing trend with Y = 11776 + 627.65X and R² = 0.8113. SWOT-based strategic analysis yielded scores of (0.58; –1.00), placing the coordinates in Quadrant II, indicating that the appropriate strategy for small ruminant development is the ST (Strengths–Threats) Strategy. This strategy utilizes existing strengths to overcome or minimize threats, also known as diversification strategies.