PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT LOKAL DALAM PEMBUATAN VIRGIN COCONUT OIL DENGAN TEKNOLOGI ALAT PARUT DAN PERAS SEDERHANA UNTUK MENGOPTIMALKAN PEREKONOMIAN

Abstract

Abstrak: Desa Nian memiliki potensi kelapa yang melimpah, tetapi masyarakat hanya menjualnya dalam bentuk mentah dengan nilai ekonomi rendah. Kelompok Tani Oemanas, dengan 29 anggota, mengalami keterbatasan alat dan teknologi untuk mengolah kelapa menjadi Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO). Program pengabdian bertujuan meningkatkan kapasitas pengolahan kelapa melalui penerapan teknologi sederhana dan pelatihan, dengan fokus pada pengembangan hardskill, seperti penguasaan proses teknis dan penggunaan alat, serta softskill, seperti komunikasi, kerja sama tim, dan manajemen waktu, untuk mendukung keberlanjutan dan efektivitas hasil pengolahan. Metode kegiatan meliputi sosialisasi, workshop, pelatihan teknis, penerapan alat modern seperti mesin parut otomatis dan alat pemeras santan, serta pendampingan dan evaluasi. Evaluasi dilakukan melalui observasi, angket sebanyak 12 pernyataan, dan wawancara. Hasil menunjukkan peningkatan kapasitas produksi hingga 60 botol (100 ml) per minggu, efisiensi waktu produksi meningkat 30%, dan kualitas VCO sesuai standar industri. Sebanyak 85% peserta mampu mengoperasikan alat, dan 80% melaporkan peningkatan pendapatan dari penjualan VCO. Program ini meningkatkan soft skill dan hard skill anggota, tetapi juga mengoptimalkan potensi lokal dan mendukung pencapaian SDGs pada tujuan pekerjaan layak dan pertumbuhan ekonomi.

Abstract: Nian Village possesses abundant coconut resources, yet the community predominantly sells them in raw form with low economic value. The Oemanas Farmers Group, comprising 29 members, faces limitations in equipment and technology for processing coconuts into Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO). The community service program aims to enhance the capacity for coconut processing through the application of simple technology and training, with a focus on developing hard skills, such as mastering technical processes and tool usage, as well as soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and time management, to support the sustainability and effectiveness of the processing outcomes. The methods included socialization, workshops, technical training, implementation of modern tools such as automatic graters and coconut milk presses, as well as mentoring and evaluation. Evaluations were conducted through observation, surveys, and interviews. The results indicated an increase in production capacity to 60 bottles (100 ml) per week, a 30% improvement in production efficiency, and VCO quality that meets industry standards. Additionally, 85% of participants successfully operated the equipment, and 80% reported increased income from VCO sales. This program improved members' soft and hard skills but also optimized local potential and supported SDG goals for decent work and economic growth.