KETERLIBATAN DINAS PETERNAKAN DALAM PEMBERDAYAAN PETERNAK SAPI PERAH UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KAPASITAS PRODUKSI SUSU DI KAMPUNG SUSU LAWU KABUPATEN MAGETAN

The dairy farming sector plays a strategic role in meeting national milk demand and improving rural community welfare. However, the capacity of smallholder dairy farmers remains limited, resulting in low milk productivity. Kampung Susu Lawu in Magetan Regency is a community-based dairy farming area developed with the support of the local government. In this context, the involvement of the Livestock Service Office is essential in empowering dairy farmers to enhance milk production capacity. This study aims to analyze the involvement of the Magetan Regency Livestock Service Office in empowering dairy farmers to improve milk production capacity in Kampung Susu Lawu. This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Informants were selected using purposive sampling and included officials from the Magetan Regency Livestock Service Office, leaders and members of dairy farmer groups, and cooperative managers. Data analysis was conducted through data reduction, data display, conclusion drawing, and verification. Data validity was ensured using source, technique, and time triangulation. The analytical framework was based on Jim Ife’s community empowerment theory, which emphasizes participation, capacity building, partnership, and sustainability. The results indicate that the Magetan Regency Livestock Service Office plays an active role in empowering dairy farmers through technical assistance, training programs, animal health services, facilitation of production facilities, and strengthening farmer institutions. This involvement has contributed to improved knowledge, skills, and independence of farmers in managing dairy farming activities. Despite challenges such as limited human resources and the impact of livestock disease outbreaks, the empowerment programs have generally contributed positively to increasing milk production capacity in Kampung Susu Lawu.
Keywords: Livestock Service Office, empowerment, dairy farmers, production capacity, Kampung Susu Lawu