Pemberdayaan Masyarakat melalui Teknologi Hidroponik Fodder sebagai Inovasi Penyediaan Pakan Ternak Berkelanjutan di Desa Pantee Lhong

Limited forage availability is a major challenge for livestock farmers in Pantee Lhong Village, Bireuen Regency, Indonesia. This community engagement program aimed to strengthen farmers’ knowledge and practical capacity to produce hydroponic fodder as an alternative feed source. Twenty-five participants took part in a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)-based program comprising needs assessment, interactive counseling, installation demonstrations, hands-on cultivation, mentoring, and evaluation. Knowledge was assessed using an identical questionnaire before and after the activities. The mean knowledge score increased from 58.4 at pre-test to 87.6 at post-test; the proportion of participants classified as having poor knowledge decreased from 44% to 0%, while those classified as having good knowledge increased from 20% to 88%. Furthermore, participant attendance reached 96%, 84% of participants were able to operate the installation without intensive assistance, and 92% reported high satisfaction with the program. A demonstration plot was also established as a continuing community learning site. Although these results indicate improved immediate knowledge and practical capacity within the scope of this community-based activity, the long-term effects on livestock productivity and feed costs require further measurement.