Sheep farming plays an important role in supporting household income in many Indonesian villages. However, disease outbreaks, especially diarrhea, often reduce productivity and increase mortality. Affordable and locally available treatment options are therefore critical for sustaining small-scale livestock systems.
Rising Interest in Herbal-Based Livestock Health Solutions
The use of herbal medicine in livestock health management has gained renewed attention as farmers seek alternatives to chemical drugs. Commercial veterinary medicines are often costly and difficult to access for rural farmers, while concerns over drug residues and long-term sustainability continue to grow.
Guava leaves (Psidium guajava) and turmeric (Curcuma domestica) are widely known in traditional medicine for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite their availability, these plants are rarely applied systematically in animal health practices. The research conducted in Magelang Regency addresses this gap by examining both the technical effectiveness of herbal therapy and farmers’ responses to its application.
Simple and Practical Research Approach
The study was carried out in Gumelem Village, Pakis District, Magelang Regency, involving 30 members of the “Pakarti Utomo” Women Farmers Group. The researchers applied a One Group Pre-Test–Post-Test extension model to assess changes in farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and skills before and after the intervention.
Farmers participated in hands-on training sessions that covered:
preparation of guava leaf and turmeric powder,
dosage and administration for sheep suffering from diarrhea,
and basic monitoring of animal health after treatment.
Data were collected through questionnaires, observations, and structured assessments, allowing the researchers to measure learning outcomes and behavioral changes without complex technical procedures.
Clear Evidence of Positive Farmer Response
The findings show a strong and measurable improvement in farmers’ capacity to manage sheep diarrhea using herbal therapy. The effectiveness of the extension program reached 82.7 percent, classified as very effective, while behavioral change effectiveness was recorded at 66.4 percent, categorized as effective.
Several key outcomes stand out:
Farmers demonstrated increased understanding of diarrhea causes and treatment options
Most participants were able to independently prepare and apply the herbal therapy
The innovation was widely accepted due to low cost and easy access to materials
Farmers reported greater confidence in handling livestock health problems
Further analysis revealed that farming experience significantly influenced farmers’ responses to the herbal innovation. In contrast, age, formal education level, and number of family dependents did not show a statistically significant effect.
Implications for Sustainable Livestock Development
The research highlights the potential of herbal-based therapies as practical solutions for smallholder livestock systems. By reducing dependence on chemical drugs, herbal treatments can help lower production costs while supporting environmentally friendly farming practices.
The authors emphasize that the success of this approach is closely linked to participatory extension methods. Rather than focusing on theory, the training prioritized direct practice and local relevance. According to the research team from the Yogyakarta–Magelang Polytechnic of Agricultural Development, farmer-centered extension is essential for ensuring long-term adoption of innovation.
The findings are particularly relevant for policymakers and extension agencies seeking scalable, low-cost strategies to improve animal health in rural areas. Integrating herbal therapy into official extension programs could strengthen farmer resilience and enhance food security.
Academic Insight from the Authors
The authors note that the combination of guava leaf and turmeric offers both therapeutic and educational value. As stated by Ajar Budiarji and colleagues from the Yogyakarta–Magelang Polytechnic of Agricultural Development, empowering farmers with locally sourced solutions encourages independence and improves decision-making in livestock management.
This perspective underscores the importance of aligning scientific knowledge with local practices, ensuring that innovation is both accessible and culturally acceptable.
Author Profiles
Ajar Budiarji is a lecturer and researcher at the Yogyakarta–Magelang Polytechnic of Agricultural Development, specializing in livestock extension and animal health management.
Nanda Putra Darma Mangku Luhur is an academic researcher focusing on smallholder livestock innovation and the adoption of appropriate agricultural technologies.
Annisa Putri Cahyani is a researcher in agricultural extension and community-based farmer empowerment, with an emphasis on local resource utilization.
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