Sustainable Cage Innovation for Food Security: A Participatory Action Learning Approach at Muslimat NU Pakis Aji

Objective: This community service activity aims to increase the economic independence of the Taswirul Afkar KB (Playgroup) in Lebak Village, Pakis Aji District, Jepara Regency, by developing a sustainable cage-based egg-laying chicken farm (Kastari) as a source of additional income to help reduce the institution's operational costs. Furthermore, this activity aims to improve human resource capacity in chicken farming, financial administration, and business marketing. Design & Methods: The method used is a participatory approach through preparation and coordination stages, socialization of Kastari-based laying hen farming, sustainable farming practices and coop construction, entrepreneurial motivation training, human resource development in MSME management, simple financial administration assistance, and digital marketing training. Activities are implemented through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, field practice, and intensive mentoring for partners. Result: The results of the community service demonstrated an increase in participants' knowledge and skills in Kastari-based laying hen farming, marked by the establishment of sustainable cages as a production and learning facility. Partners were also able to compile simple financial administration in the form of cash books, recording income and expenses, and simple financial reports to support more accountable business management. Furthermore, participants were able to utilize digital media as a means of product promotion and marketing. This program successfully improved the partners' managerial and entrepreneurial capacity and opened up opportunities for the creation of sustainable income sources that can help support the operations of the Taswirul Afkar KB. Thus, Kandang Lestari-based laying hen farming has the potential to become a model of economic empowerment that supports the sustainability of community-based educational institutions.