Forage Availability Strategies for Livestock in East Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province

This study aimed to identify internal and external factors influencing livestock forage availability, analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and formulate priority strategies to address forage scarcity during the dry season in East Manggarai Regency. The research was conducted across three sub-districts (Kota Komba, Borong, and Rana Mese) from November 2025 to January 2026, employing a survey method with a mixed-methods approach. The study sample comprised 75 cattle farmers selected through quota sampling, and 15 expert respondents selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using the Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) matrix, External Factor Evaluation (EFE) matrix, Internal-External (IE) matrix, SWOT analysis, and Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM). The IFE analysis yielded a total score of 2.26 (medium category), and the EFE score was 2.60, positioning livestock farming in the Hold and Maintain cell of the IE matrix. Key strengths identified included extensive grazing land availability and productive farmer age distribution, while primary weaknesses encompassed traditional husbandry systems and low feed processing adoption. Based on QSPM analysis, the top-priority strategies were the establishment of a grass bank, sustainable forage development, and enhanced farmer capacity through extension services and feed processing technology training.