Livestock waste management adoption among livestock farmers: A study in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract Converting livestock waste into compost as crop fertiliser is a wise management practice that will benefit both livestock and crop farmers. This process potentially boosts farmers’ income and practises good environmental techniques in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, limited knowledge and lack of extension activity cause the unawareness of this beneficial practice. Besides, some farmers may have problems with where to market the compost made due to uncertain demand, and some refuse to employ organic compost on their crops. Without any doubt, managing livestock waste into compost is a low-cost practice involving simple materials and methods. This study was conducted among 100 livestock farmers using purposive sampling in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia, including Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor. The finding found that the mean score for the adoption of livestock waste management, farmers’ behaviour, external factors and farmers’ perception is 3.992, 3.824, 3.694 and 4.150, respectively. All mean scores except farmers’ perception show moderate levels where most are still in between managing the livestock waste wisely or not. Hence, this practice is suggested for collaboration between the private sector to encourage the farmers to engage more in managing livestock waste and producing it commercially. Besides, the role of extension service is also vital as this effort could enhance farmers’ well-being and improve their livelihood.