SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF SMALL RUMINANT FARMERS IN TERENGGANU

Abstract

The study analyses key demographic and economic factors such as age, gender, educational level, total income, livestock type, and land size to provide insights into the region's vital agricultural sector. The findings show a broad age distribution among small ruminant producers, with a sizable share of youth working in the industry. However, there is a significant gender imbalance, with men farmers outnumbering female farmers. Educational attainment varies, with a sizable proportion having completed secondary school or higher economic distribution emphasises the need for efforts to promote economic stability and livelihoods for low-income people. Given the proportion of farmers earning less than RM 2,000.00, income distribution underscores the need for efforts to promote economic stability and lives for this group. The primary practise is goat farming, emphasising the need of genetic improvement and disease management in this industry. Furthermore, the majority of small ruminant producers own less than one acre of land, which raises grazing and expansion issues. The report emphasises the importance of assisting young farmers, fostering gender equality, boosting education and training, increasing income levels, and optimising land usage for long-term agricultural growth in Terengganu. These findings are useful for policymakers and stakeholders who want to implement targeted interventions and policies to improve the socioeconomic well-being of small ruminant farmers in Terengganu and other similar regions.