Poultry Farmer Training in Biosecurity and Production Within an Evaluation Framework in Bangladesh.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In Bangladesh, farmers often initiate small- to medium-scale poultry production ventures with minimal to no prior training, experience or formal qualifications. The poultry industry's rapid expansion poses a growing threat to human and animal health. It is, therefore, imperative to educate farmers using the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to train farmers with an evaluation framework to assess their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding poultry biosecurity and management. The study also assessed the effectiveness of the training programme using the Kirkpatrick training evaluation model. METHODS: The training intervention study was a series of 2-day trainings with a survey before and after the training. Farmers were selected from small to medium-scale broiler and Sonali farming sectors. The data were analysed using R-software. RESULTS: A total of 183 farmers participated in the training. They had good knowledge regarding correct brooding temperature, poultry vaccines, antibiotic names and whom to contact for advice on poultry-related problems before training. The training was effective in improving knowledge gain for day-old chick selection, causes of vaccine failure, the exact function of antibiotics, and antimicrobial resistance. A single training intervention is inadequate to change farmer behaviours, and continuous communication is therefore necessary. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides empirical evidence on the pre-existing knowledge and the impact of training using different pedagogical approaches on biosecurity and the production of poultry farmers with diverse educational backgrounds and varied experience in farming-aligning Kirkpatrick model.