Rice Field Laborer in Cianjur Becomes Livestock Farmer, Manages ‘Future Savings’ Livestock Village

12 May 2026, 14:46

Man wearing a green polo shirt with logos sits cross-legged against a woven bamboo wall.

CIANJUR, WEST JAVA — “At first, there were only 10 beneficiaries and 20 sheep,” said Ayi Rahmat, a livestock farmer, as he recounted the early days of the establishment of Kampung Ternak in Cianjur Regency back in 2017. Now, nearly a decade later, this initiative—developed in collaboration with Dompet Dhuafa’s West Java Branch—has transformed into a robust center for economic empowerment.

The man, affectionately known as Kang Ayi, explained that Kampung Ternak is no longer merely about seasonal preparations. From its initial focus on fattening for the Sacrificial Animal Distribution Program (THK), Kampung Ternak has now expanded into the breeding sector and even operates its own slaughterhouse (RPH).

“Alhamdulillah, there are now 30 direct beneficiaries and around 70 to 80 indirect beneficiaries. Following this development, our sales are now conducted directly; it’s no longer just for the THK, but has become an integral part of our operations,” said the farmer, affectionately known as Kang Ayi.

One of the achievements Kang Ayi is most grateful for is the improved standard of living among the farmers he mentors. He explained that the majority of farmers there were previously farm laborers who depended on others’ rice fields for an uncertain income.

“Actually, because these beneficiaries’ background is as farmers, they used to be laborers in the fields. Alhamdulillah, after this program was implemented, some farmers have been able to build houses, send their children to college, and even marry off their children,” he said emotionally.

Sheep with curved horns pressed against a wooden pen in a dim barn, grazing on grass. — High quality sheep produced through the empowerment program of Dompet Dhuafas Livestock Village in Cianjur

For farmers in rural Cianjur, owning livestock is not merely about maintaining an asset, but about building hope. Kang Ayi emphasized how crucial these sheep are to the financial stability of their families.

“For farmers, raising sheep is like having a ‘piggy bank’ that is invaluable for their future,” added Kang Ayi.

Success in the economic sector turns out to go hand in hand with strengthening spiritual aspects. Through Kang Ayi’s steady leadership and collaboration with various parties—including support for the surrounding community of the Suffah Al Mustannir Islamic Boarding School—Kampung Ternak has now transformed into a hub for social and religious activities.

“Our program, which initially focused solely on livestock farming, has now expanded to include da’wah and education. This has become an integral part of Kampung Ternak as well. There is a regular Majelis Taklim attended by around 50 women and 25 men every week,” he explained.

Man in a green T-shirt giving a thumbs up inside a sheep pen at a farm. — A portrait of Mang Enjang one of the farmers who successfully turned his life around through the THK Qurbani Animal Distribution Program Starting from difficult economic circumstances he has now managed to secure decent housing make payments on a plot of land and send his children to college

Now, with a slaughterhouse capable of processing 70 to 90 sheep each month to meet various market demands, Kang Ayi has proven that productive capital from zakat funds and donations can break the cycle of poverty and provide real self-reliance for small communities.

Let’s fulfill your best sacrifice to empower more local farmers across the country. Sacrifice now via https://digital.dompetdhuafa.org/kurban. (Dompet Dhuafa)

Text and photos: Roseta

Editor: Dhika