Factors Determining Knowledge Acquisition in Livestock Waste Management Training Held by Animal Husbandry Training Centre at Songgoriti, Batu - Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract The livestock industry plays a substantial role in the Indonesian economy as the industry provides a significant share of the country’s national income. The industry also engages labour in rural and sub-urban areas since traditional smallholder livestock dominates the industry in the country. One problem in the smallholder livestock is the inadequate capacity of farmers leading to mediocre livestock management, generating polluting waste and low income. A special training curriculum for smallholder farmers is expected to improve farmer capacity. Animal Husbandry Training Centre at Songgoriti regularly holds special training in waste management for smallholder livestock farmers. This study aimed to analyse the training outcome and factors influencing knowledge attainment resulting from the training. The training outcome was measured using incremental knowledge related to training subjects. Socio-demographic-economic characteristics of training participants were considered the determinants of training outcomes. The analysis employed a multiple regression model. Data were compiled from the training centre’s reports and documentation of training held in 2021 and 2022. The results show that the training outcome was apparent. Some participants showed good knowledge acquisition, and some others did not. The starting point of existing knowledge mattered. Some socio-demographic-economic characteristics significantly determined incremental knowledge acquisition. The study suggests training participants should be grouped based on the knowledge baseline. The advanced participants are separated from the usual ones whenever possible to reach high training outcomes.