An ISM approach for identifying and analyzing the complexity of beef cattle farming problems in Central Java

The complexity of the problems in the beef cattle farming system in Central Java is challenging. Identification and mapping of the problems are an important part of the process to determine the policy strategy. The research objectives were to identify and to map the problem structure in beef cattle farming system in Central Java. Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) was employed to analyze the relationship between problems in beef cattle farming system. Data were collected through literature review and in-depth interviews with several stakeholders which consisting of academics, practitioners, and local governments. The results showed that the problems of beef cattle farming in Central Java were related to the availability of feed, farmers socio-economic conditions, and the production and reproduction of the cattle. Problems related to the animal feed availability is a leverage point in solving cattle problems in Central Java. The feed strengthening strategy is expected being priority in the context of developing beef cattle farms in Central Java.