Analysis of Leading Livestock Sectors and Community Welfare in Majene Regency

Abstract

Majene Regency is one of the regions with substantial potential in the livestock sector; however, this potential has not yet been fully reflected in improvements in community welfare. The development of the livestock sector in Majene Regency continues to face several challenges, including limited access to modern technology, inadequate investment and market access, and low productivity. This study aimed to analyze leading livestock commodities and their role in community welfare in Majene Regency using the Location Quotient (LQ) method and multiple linear regression analysis. The study used secondary data, including livestock populations and population size in Majene Regency and West Sulawesi Province, as well as data on gross regional domestic product (GRDP), poverty, unemployment, and the Human Development Index (HDI) in Majene Regency for the 2020–2024 period. LQ analysis was used to identify livestock commodities classified as base sectors, while multiple linear regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between leading livestock commodities and community welfare indicators. The results showed that beef cattle (mean LQ = 1.26), horses (LQ = 1.014), and goats (mean LQ = 2.72) were classified as base livestock commodities in Majene Regency, whereas buffaloes (LQ = 0.13) were classified as a non-base commodity. GRDP per capita (coefficient = −0.066) and HDI (coefficient = −0.425) showed negative relationships with the LQ of goats, indicating that increases in per capita income and quality of life were associated with a decline in the relative competitiveness of the goat subsector. Goats were the leading livestock commodity with the highest LQ value and have the potential to serve as an economic buffer for the community. Overall, leading livestock commodities play an important role in supporting the local economy and community welfare in Majene Regency.