Socio Economic Analysis and Development Potential of Local Chicken (Buras) Farming in Kedungwaru District, Tulungagung Regency

The increasing population of free range chickens in Kedungwaru District, Tulungagung Regency has not been matched with optimal productivity, mainly due to limited use of technology and weak management capacity. This situation raises a research problem regarding whether native chicken farming is socio-economically feasible and how it can be strategically developed. The study aimed to analyze the socio-economic characteristics of free-range chicken farmers, assess the economic feasibility of their farming businesses, and identify appropriate development strategies using SWOT analysis. The respondents consisted of 50 free-range chicken farmers selected purposively, with additional respondents identified through snowball sampling. Data collection took place within a two-month period, between November 21, 2023, and January 20, 2024. The data collected included social characteristics (age, education level, farming experience, gender, and farming objectives), economic aspects (fixed costs, variable costs, total revenue, and profit), and qualitative data regarding the internal and external factors influencing farming development. Data analysis was carried out descriptively for the social profile, economically through the calculation of production costs and the Revenue and Cost (R/C) ratio, and strategically using SWOT analysis to formulate development plans. The results showed that the majority of farmers were within the productive age range but had relatively low education levels, although they had significant farming experience. The economic analysis indicated that the free-range chicken farming businesses were feasible, shown by an R/C ratio greater than 1. SWOT analysis revealed strengths such as high selling prices and strong disease resistance of chickens, weaknesses including traditional farming methods, opportunities in high consumer demand and limited competition, and threats from price volatility, disease outbreaks, and proximity to residential areas. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening farmer knowledge through training, reducing dependency on traditional methods, improving infrastructure, and expanding marketing strategies. These variables are critical for subsequent implementation to enhance business sustainability.