Linking financial support and technological innovation to farm income: A case of duck farmers in Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of multiple factors including age, access to credit, technology utilization, cultivation patterns, feed quality, business sustainability, cage area, flock size, and veterinary inputs on the income of duck farmers in Brebes Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. Research was conducted in purposively selected sub-districts within Brebes Regency that are known for active duck farming operations and high population density. A total of 350 duck farmers were surveyed using purposive sampling through structured, close-ended questionnaires, complemented by on-farm observations and interviews. Primary data were collected on demographic profiles, farm characteristics, and production practices, while secondary data were obtained from local agricultural offices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-sample t-tests, and multiple linear regression, preceded by normality and classical assumption tests. The results show that access to credit, technology utilization, cage area, and flock size significantly and positively influence income (p < 0.05), while feed, medicines, and age were statistically not significant. Notably, cultivation pattern and sustainability practices had significant but negative associations with income, suggesting short term inefficiencies or implementation gaps. The model demonstrated strong explanatory power with an adjusted R² of 0.948. These findings emphasize the critical role of financial access, digital tools, and farm-scale improvements in enhancing income. Unlike prior studies that focused on isolated variables, this research provides a comprehensive, multi-factor analysis of income determinants in tropical duck farming systems, offering valuable insights for evidence-based rural development policies.