Relationship between Age and Number of Family Members of Dairy Farmers with Performance of Dairy Farmers in Kuningan Regency, West Java

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the relationship between farmers’ age and household size with the performance of dairy farmers in Kuningan Regency, West Java. The research employed a survey method involving 90 respondents, who were randomly selected from members of the Karya Nugraha Jaya Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KSU). The study areas, Cigugur and Jalaksana sub-districts, were chosen purposively. Data were collected through structured interviews using questionnaires and direct field observations. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation. The findings indicate that the majority of dairy farmers are aged between 36 and 60 years, with an average age of 47. Most farmers have 4 to 6 family members, with an average of 4 per household. The overall performance of dairy farmers falls into the “moderate” category, with an average performance score of 72.46%. Despite this, further efforts are needed to enhance performance through extension services, training programs, peer learning, and institutional support to optimize productivity. Spearman’s correlation analysis reveals a very weak negative correlation between farmers’ age and performance, and a similarly weak positive correlation between household size and performance. These results suggest that neither variable significantly influences dairy farmers’ performance in the study area.