Public Perception of the Environmental Impact of the Ngudi Mulyo Collective Cattle and Goat Pen in Sleman

Abstract

The increasing population density in peri-urban areas has encouraged a transition from individual livestock keeping to collective livestock housing as a strategy to manage land limitations and reduce environmental disturbances. This study aimed to examine community perceptions of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the Ngudi Mulyo Collective Cattle and Goat Pen in Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. A mixed descriptive method combining quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed through structured interviews, field observations, and respondent scoring. Data were collected from eight residents living within 5–200 meters of the livestock facility, selected using purposive sampling. The assessment covered air, water, and soil pollution, sanitation awareness, waste management, social impacts, and economic benefits. The results showed that perceived air pollution disturbances were low, as residents occasionally experienced unpleasant odors but did not consider them disruptive to daily activities. Perceived water and soil pollution impacts were very low, while community understanding of sanitation and environmental waste management was very high. All respondents reported no social conflicts associated with the facility and acknowledged the economic benefits of livestock farming, particularly the utilization of solid livestock waste as organic fertilizer and the role of cattle as a form of household savings. These positive perceptions were influenced by the community’s agrarian background and the collective housing system, which concentrates livestock activities and facilitates waste management compared with individual backyard pens. Nevertheless, challenges remain in managing liquid waste and sustaining biogas technology due to limited technical capacity and insufficient collective maintenance. This study concludes that the Ngudi Mulyo collective pen is generally well accepted by the surrounding community and offers environmental management and economic benefits. Strengthening institutional capacity, providing continuous technical assistance, and developing practical liquid-waste treatment technologies are recommended to support sustainable community-based livestock farming in peri-urban areas.