BANTEN — In 2020, Soleh (27), a young man from Lampung, decided to move to Serang, Banten, in search of a better life. It was in this new land that his life took a turn for the better when he encountered DD Farm Banten, a flagship program of Dompet Dhuafa focused on empowering small-scale farmers.
From the moment he joined, Soleh was accepted as a farmhand (ABK). However, DD Farm Banten is more than just a workplace for Soleh. Dompet Dhuafa, through DD Farm, not only employs ABK but also equips them with various livestock farming skills, particularly regarding sheep and goats, including maintenance techniques, breeding strategies, and how to manage a livestock business independently. All of this he learned over the three years of his career there.
Soleh’s passion for continuous learning and growth aligns with Dompet Dhuafa’s vision of empowering small-scale farmers to thrive and become self-reliant. As Fita Berliana Akbar (Elin), Program Manager of Dompet Dhuafa Banten, explained, the organization aims for every ABK at DD Farm to eventually advance, own their own livestock farm, and not remain dependent on employment.
“We want these ABK friends to succeed and become independent. We don’t want them to remain employees at DD Farm forever. They must grow and progress. There must be an upgrade,” said Elin.
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In September 2023, after gaining sufficient knowledge and experience, Soleh was given a golden opportunity to start his own livestock farm. Dompet Dhuafa Banten provided him with capital in the form of a fully equipped barn, along with one male and 10 female goats as initial breeding stock. Soleh then constructed a pen measuring 11 x 1.5 square meters, complete with 11 pens for the sheep, a feed storage room, and a resting area.
“I’m happy to have my own pen and livestock. Some of the funds came from my own savings, and the rest was supported by Dompet Dhuafa,” Soleh shared gratefully.
Soleh has officially become an independent farmer and a plasma partner of DD Farm Banten. He has been equipped with knowledge and skills, including strategies for preparing sheep for the Animal Sacrifice Distribution Program (THK) held every Dzulhijah month in the Hijri calendar.
“When it comes to sheep farming, we believe they are already very knowledgeable,” Elin emphasized, ensuring that the process of empowering individuals like Soleh is carried out with a solid foundation.
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In addition to Soleh, Hamami, another beneficiary who is now on the path to independence, has experienced a similar story. Both Soleh and Hamami are committed to not only thinking about personal gain. They want to share the benefits of their businesses with the surrounding community, especially those who are still in poor conditions, so that together they can become more empowered.
Soleh’s journey is one example of how Dompet Dhuafa actively encourages small-scale farmers to improve their livelihoods. Through the DD Farm program, which not only provides employment but also education and training, Dompet Dhuafa ensures that every farmer under its guidance can develop into independent, resilient entrepreneurs who can eventually empower other farmers.
Se-Ngaruh Itu! (That’s the Impact!) is a sacrifice program at Dompet Dhuafa that has had a significant impact on small-scale farmers. Every person who makes a sacrifice through digital.dompetdhuafa.org/kurban at Dompet Dhuafa has contributed to empowering small-scale farmers. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika