Empowerment of Women Farmers Group through Processing of Agricultural Products in Hargomulyo Village, Kokap, Kulon Progo Yogyakarta

Abstract

Kulon Progo is a district known as one of the centers for agricultural products in the Yogyakarta Special Region Province. Agricultural product processing efforts in Kulonprogo Regency still face challenges in terms of optimal community capacity and capabilities, especially as found in Hargomulyo Village, Kokap District. These Community Engagement Activities are intended for employment and increasing citizen participation, especially women in development through community empowerment. The Mekar Mandiri Women Farmera Group is a group of women farmer's wives or women in Hargomulyo Village who have activities in the agricultural sector in utilizing agricultural resources to work together to increase farm productivity and the welfare of its members. In carrying out its activities, the Mekar Mandiri Farmer Group has several obstacles: (1) Limited insight into developing agricultural business; (2) Limited skills in processing agricultural products; (3) Limited equipment for processing agricultural products. The solutions offered in Community Engagement activities are (1) training to broaden people's insights and capacity building, (2) facilitation of business equipment procurement, and (3) assistance in applying for home industry permits and trademarks. The conclusion that can be drawn from this community engagement activities are the development of an entrepreneurial spirit and increase the skill and ability of women farming groups member to process garden products (post-harvest).