MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SLEMAN – Global Food Partners, an international organization focusing on animal welfare, visited the Egg-Laying Chicken Farm of the Muhammadiyah Farmer Association (JATAM) of People with Disabilities of Bejen, Selman, Yogyakarta, on Wednesday, November 27.
The visit aimed to learn the community empowerment model developed by the Muhammadiyah Council for Community Empowerment (MPM).
Twenty-two participants from four African countries – Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, and Zimbabwe – joined the visit to learn about the chicken farming system that prioritizes animal welfare and the empowerment of people with disabilities.
This visit marked a significant milestone for the JATAM of People with Disabilities of Bejen, as it was their first time hosting an international group.
“This is our first time to have an international visit, and we are proud to show how people with disabilities can successfully manage a farm,” said Arya Khoirul Hammam, a farm mentor and board member of JATAM.
Arya added that they hope the empowerment concept implemented by MPM at the farm can be adopted in the participating countries.
“We want to develop a sustainable and inclusive farming concept and convey the message that chicken farming can be conducted with a focus on the welfare of all parties,” added Arya.
Meanwhile, the Indonesia Program Manager of the Global Food Partners Kristina Yolanda explained that the visit aimed to demonstrate the potential of inclusive chicken farming, especially for people with disabilities.
“We want participants to see how the JATAM of People with Disabilities manages a cage-free farm that not only cares about animal welfare but also the welfare of the farmers, including those with physical disabilities,” said Kristina.
Kristina also emphasized the importance of collaboration and the sustainability of training programs for the participants, who are expected to bring the knowledge back to their respective countries.
The JATAM of Bejen, under the guidance of MPM Muhammadiyah, has successfully developed a chicken farm managed by people with disabilities. The farm serves as a real-world example of sustainable economic empowerment.
Beyond egg production, the farm also focuses on empowering its members by providing skills training and access to wider markets.
This visit reflects a spirit of international collaboration to improve sustainability and the welfare of chicken farmers globally, especially among underserved communities.
