Polije Empowers Farmers in Jember by Turning Livestock Waste into Organic Fertilizer

A cross-disciplinary lecturer team from Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije), Indonesia, has launched a community engagement program that focuses on converting sheep and goat manure into organic fertilizer. The initiative, led by Huda Ahmad Hudori, S.ST., M.ST., with colleagues Luluk Dwi Cahyono, S.Sos., M.Sc., Rahmat Dhandy, S.TP., M.Tr.P., Elis Rahmawati M.S., S.ST., M.P., and Cicik Retno Wati, S.E., M.M., is funded through the 2025 Public Service (PkM) scheme under PNBP resources.

Jember Regency, one of East Java’s major livestock centers, faces growing challenges in waste management. In Suci Village, Panti District, livestock groups such as Sidomulyo still manage manure traditionally. An estimated 525 tons of livestock waste remain underutilized annually, creating risks of pollution and public health issues.

“We are very enthusiastic about this program. Livestock waste, often seen as a problem, can actually be transformed into a valuable resource if managed properly,” said Hudori. “We hope this training will equip farmers in Suci Village with new skills and knowledge.”

Local farmers have welcomed the initiative with optimism. “We have long struggled with livestock waste management. This training will help us improve productivity while reducing environmental pollution,” said Akhmad Ridwan, a member of the Sidomulyo livestock group.

By introducing sustainable waste management practices, the Polije team aims to deliver tangible benefits for both farmers and the environment. If successful, the model could be replicated in other regions facing similar challenges, reinforcing the role of higher education institutions in driving grassroots solutions.