Kerbau Rawa di Wilayah Daratan Konawe Sulawesi Tenggara: Prospek dan Tantangan Pengembangannya

Buffalo farming in Southeast Sulawesi has considerable potential for development, but this potential has not yet been fully realized. This study aims to analyze the potential and challenges of swamp buffalo development in the Konawe mainland region of Southeast Sulawesi. The study was conducted in the Konawe mainland region of Southeast Sulawesi from September to November 2025, covering Konawe, South Konawe, and North Konawe Regencies. The data used in this study consist of primary, secondary, and supporting data. The data in this study were derived from a survey using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, with a sample size of 90 households, comprising 31 households in Konawe Regency, 39 households in South Konawe, and 20 households in North Konawe Regency. This study employed descriptive data analysis methods. The results of the study indicate that, first, internal potential aspects include: (1) the majority of livestock farmers are of productive age, (2) farmers possess adequate livestock-raising experience, (3) livestock mortality rates are relatively low, (4) feed and medication costs are relatively low, and (5) labor costs are relatively efficient. Potential from external aspects such as (1) government support through extension and guidance, (2) relatively easy market access, (3) relatively high livestock selling prices, (4) the social and cultural value of water buffalo, and (5) the business is a family tradition and will continue to be maintained. Second, internal challenges include (1) the relatively low level of education among livestock farmers, (2) the fact that livestock farming is still a sideline business, (3) the relatively small scale of livestock ownership, (4) the predominance of extensive farming systems without permanent housing, and (5) limited access to high-quality breeding stock and capital. External challenges include (1) low vaccination rates, (2) the risk of livestock disease outbreaks, (3) land-use conversion of grazing areas, (4) market price fluctuations, and (5) insufficient contribution to environmental conservation. Therefore, an appropriate strategy is needed based on available potential and existing challenges.