Transforming empirical experience into technical proficiency in layer duck husbandry through community capacity building

Smallholder poultry systems in rural communities frequently rely on experience-based husbandry practices that constrain productivity, disease prevention, and economic efficiency. This study aimed to assess the baseline knowledge profile of farm-labor households in Palembon Village regarding layer duck management and to evaluate cognitive transformation following a participatory educational intervention. A qualitative-descriptive design supported by pre-test and post-test instruments was applied to 40 respondents with predominantly low to moderate educational backgrounds. Data were collected through field observation, structured interviews, and knowledge assessment indicators covering feed management, water provision, disease recognition, biosecurity practices, and ethnoveterinary applications. Baseline findings revealed substantial gaps between empirical feeding habits and nutritionally balanced ration formulation, as well as reactive disease management patterns lacking preventive biosecurity frameworks. Following the intervention, respondents demonstrated significant conceptual shifts toward structured, preventive, and system-oriented management, including improved understanding of age-phased feeding, nutrient balance, ad libitum water provision, sanitation, and simple biosecurity measures. Traditional herbal practices were reoriented within a more systematic health management framework without displacing local knowledge systems. By strengthening community capacity and promoting technically grounded yet culturally sensitive livestock management, this study supports sustainable smallholder productivity and rural food security in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goal on Zero Hunger (SDG-2), which emphasizes improving agricultural productivity and ensuring sustainable food production systems.