Extension Assistance From The Animal Husbandry Office In Developing Bumdes Layer Hen Farming: Improving Managers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, And Skills(A Case Study of BUMDes Bijeli Indah, North Central Timor Regency)

Abstract

This study examines the efforts of BUMDes Bijeli Indah to develop a laying-hen business through extension assistance from the Animal Husbandry Office. This research is important because the management of a laying-hen business requires adequate knowledge, attitudes, and skills to support proper husbandry practices and the application of appropriate farming techniques. This study aims to analyze and describe the efforts of BUMDes in developing a laying-hen business through extension assistance from the Animal Husbandry Office. The analytical framework is based on Totok Mardikanto’s (2009) extension theory, which consists of increased knowledge, attitude change, and increased skills. This research employed a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. The research involved 11 informants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observation, and documentation, and analyzed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results show that extension assistance helped BUMDes managers improve their understanding of feed and drinking water, cage maintenance, chicken health, biosecurity, and egg handling and sorting. The managers also demonstrated willingness to develop the business and openness to guidance and innovation. Basic skills in chicken husbandry and production management also improved, although their application was not yet fully consistent, particularly in handling chicken health problems, implementing biosecurity, and maintaining cage cleanliness and sanitation. Thus, extension assistance has supported the development of BUMDes managers’ capabilities, but continuous practice and further assistance are still needed to address technical problems.