Accessibility Pathways as a Transmission Mechanism Linking Support Systems and Beef Cattle Farming Sustainability in Informal Smallholder Partnerships: Evidence from Indonesia

Abstract

Smallholder livestock systems contribute substantially to beef supply in developing and emerging economies, yet sustainability remains fragile, particularly in informal partnershipbased production.This study examines accessibility pathways as a transmission mechanism that links support systems to the sustainability of beef cattle farming in informal smallholder partnerships in Indonesia.A cross-sectional survey of 372 farmers was conducted in April-June 2024 using structured questionnaires (five-point Likert scale).Data were analyzed using covariance-based Structural Equation Modelling (CB-SEM) in AMOS.Confirmatory factor analysis supported the measurement model after removing three indicators with standardized loadings < 0.50; all constructs achieved acceptable convergent validity (AVE ≥ 0.50) and reliability (CR > 0.70).The final model showed good fit (CMIN/DF = 1.676;RMSEA = 0.043; TLI = 0.953; CFI = 0.963).Institutional support, technological support, social capital support, extension services, and farmer characteristics significantly increased accessibility, while government policy was not significant.Accessibility was the strongest predictor of sustainability.Technological and social capital supports also showed direct positive effects on sustainability, whereas extension services had a negative direct effect, suggesting alignment and integration gaps.Sobel mediation tests confirmed accessibility as a key transmission pathway through which selected supports influence sustainability.These findings imply that programs should prioritize practical accessibility to finance, inputs, information, feed resources, and markets through coordinated institutional linkages and integrated advisory services to enhance sustainability in informal smallholder livestock partnerships.

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