BANTEN — In 2020, Soleh (27), a sheep and goat farmer from Lampung, ventured to Serang, Banten, hoping to change his life. It was there he joined DD Farm Banten, a project aligned with empowering small-scale farmers. DD Farm enlisted Soleh as a farm worker (ABK), in line with its mission.
During his three years at the farm, Soleh gained a wealth of knowledge, from animal husbandry to Dompet Dhuafa’s farmer empowerment schemes. The values he learned at DD Farm inspired him to grow. Once he felt equipped with the necessary skills, the Dompet Dhuafa Banten branch initiated Soleh’s journey to independence, transforming him into a livestock plasma supplier for DD Farm.
Fita Berliana Akbar, Dompet Dhuafa Banten’s Program Manager, shared that their goal is for ABK farmers at DD Farm to establish their own independent livestock businesses. She added that Dompet Dhuafa Banten would continue its support to facilitate this transition, benefitting DD Farm by expanding its network of livestock plasma suppliers.
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“We aim for our ABK friends to achieve independence. We don’t see them as permanent employees at DD Farm. They must evolve and progress. Upgrading is essential,” she stated on Sunday (February 4, 2024).
Soleh’s independence journey started in September 2023 with an initial provision of a barn, including one male and 10 female sheep. He was encouraged to secure his own land. His barn, measuring 11 x 1.5 square meters, comprises 11 sheep pens, a feed storage area, and a resting space.
“Having my own barn and livestock is fulfilling. I managed some of it with my capital, supplemented by Dompet Dhuafa’s support,” Soleh shared.
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DD Farm ensures all its ABKs transitioning to independence are well-versed in sheep farming, including preparation strategies for the Tebar Hewan Kurban (THK) Program planned for Zulhijah 1445 Hijriah.
“Our ABKs have a deep understanding of sheep farming,” affirmed Elin.
Soleh is not alone in this journey; another beneficiary, Hamami, has also become independent under a similar arrangement with DD Farm.
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Their commitment to independence from DD Farm is resolute. They aim to become accomplished farmers, sharing their profits to empower the less fortunate in their community. (Dompet Dhuafa/Muthohar)