Determinants of Farmers^ Motivation to Raise Pelung Chickens in Malang Raya Siti Azizah (a*), Heni Setyo Prayogi (a), Anie Eka Kusumastutie (a), Ahmad Ridwan (a), Muhammad Rizki (a), Anif Mukaromah Wati (b), Prayudie (c), Mona Ghaly (d)
a) Department of Socio-Economics, Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
b) Department of Animal Science, PSDKU Universitas Brawijaya, Kediri, Indonesia
c) Himpunan Peternak dan Penggemar Ayam Pelung Indonesia (HIPPAPI)
d) Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Mesir
Abstract
Pelung chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is an indigenous Indonesian breed with economic, cultural, social, and conservation value. This study examined factors influencing farmers^ motivation to raise Pelung chickens in Malang Raya using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) as complementary analytical perspectives. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, involving 33 Pelung chicken farmers and six key informants selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, and documentation, and analyzed thematically. The findings show that farmers^ motivation is multidimensional and not driven solely by economic considerations. Intrinsic motivations, including hobby, personal satisfaction, and emotional attachment, were prominent, while economic opportunities, family support, breeder communities, cultural pride, and conservation awareness further reinforced farmers^ engagement. Farmers perceived economic, psychological, social, and cultural benefits from raising Pelung chickens. However, disease outbreaks, difficulties in producing contest-quality birds, limited knowledge and resources, and restricted market opportunities remained key challenges. Breeder communities played an important role in knowledge exchange, social support, collective learning, networking, and intergenerational transmission of local knowledge. The integration of TPB and TEK indicates that farmers^ motivation is shaped by attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, experience-based knowledge, cultural values, and community learning. Strengthening breeder organizations, improving animal health management, expanding market access, and preserving local knowledge are therefore essential to sustaining Pelung chicken farming and conserving indigenous poultry genetic resources.
Keywords: Keywords: Pelung chicken- farmers^ motivation- Theory of Planned Behavior- Traditional Ecological Knowledge- indigenous poultry- qualitative research
