THE DIMENSION OF COOPERATIVISM AND DAIRY CATTLE FARMING IN GETASAN VILLAGE, SEMARANG REGENCY, CENTRAL JAVA PROVINCE, INDONESIA

Abstract

The study was aimed to explore the role of cooperativism in dairy cattle farming in Getasan village, Semarang Regency, Central Java Province. Spearman Rank Correlation test was used to determine the relationship between cooperativism and the performance of dairy cattle farming. Based on the results of the Spearman Rank correlation test, feeds and feeding practices were significantly correlated with sharing of knowledge and information and sharing of resources. However, no significant relationship was found between participation in decision making and feeds and feeding practices. Meanwhile, there were significant relationships amog sharing of knowledge and information, sharing of resources, and participation in decision making and milk production in Getasan Village. The dairy health as performance indicator of dairy cattle farming, sharing of knowledge and information was the only significant factor. Sharing of resources and participation in decision making had no significant relationship with dairy health. As regards marketing, the test showed that sharing of knowledge and information, sharing of resources, and participation in decision making were significantly related factors. This study indicated that cooperativism may provide opportunities for farmers to access services, information and resources that will allow them to improve their capacities in these areas. This study also proposed some recommendations that the cooperatives should promote activities encouraging greater cooperation and mutual understanding among the members. Skills trainings and education for empowerment should be conducted to encourage participation in decision making.

Keywords

• cooperativism
• cooperative
• dairy cattle farming
• social capital