Improvement of Village Chicken Management Practices to Enhance Their Productivity in Podosoko Village, Candimulyo

Abstract

Podosoko Village, Candimulyo Subdistrict, Magelang Regency, is characterized by a high proportion of low-income households, many of which keep small flocks of native chickens as informal savings. Despite this potential, traditional and non-commercial management practices have limited productivity and income generation. This community empowerment program aimed to improve native chicken productivity and enhance household income through the adoption of improved management practices.The intervention was implemented through a participatory approach, beginning with Achievement Motivation Training (AMT), followed by technical training on semi-intensive native chicken farming, locally sourced feed formulation, construction of semi-intensive housing systems, and utilization of chicken manure as organic fertilizer. Mentoring and monitoring activities were conducted to support technology adoption and behavioral change among participants. Program effectiveness was evaluated using structured questionnaires and field observations.Evaluation results showed that 100% of participants demonstrated improved understanding of proper native chicken management practices, while 80% actively applied the acquired skills in feeding, housing, and manure utilization. A semi-intensive demonstration poultry house was established, accompanied by stimulant assistance in the form of ten laying-ready female native chickens and one male chicken. A livestock rotation (babonisasi) system was implemented under the supervision of the Women Farmers Group (Kelompok Wanita Tani, KWT) and local PKH facilitators to ensure sustainability and equitable distribution. Within one year, the beneficiary group successfully constructed an additional poultry housing unit independently. Overall, the program demonstrated that community-based adoption of semi-intensive native chicken farming, supported by locally available resources and continuous mentoring, can effectively improve poultry productivity and contribute to increased household income in rural communities.