EMPOWERMENT OF THE DASA WISMA MELATI GROUP: OPTIMIZING THE UTILIZATION OF YARD LAND FOR CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES AND FAMILY MEDICINAL PLANTS (TOGA)

Abstract

Utilizing household yards as a sustainable source of family food has significant potential in strengthening household food security. Optimizing the household yards into sustainable food areas is one of the community empowerment strategies, particularly for housewives, to increase access to nutritious food while creating opportunities to boost family income. Thiswomen's empowerment program aims to expand the knowledge and skills of the Dasa Wisma (Dawis) Melati group inmanaging the cultivation and economic potential of vegetable plants and family medicinal plants (TOGA) through the utilization of household yards. Empowerment methods include: (1) provision of seeds, planting media, fertilizers, andplanting equipment; (2) extension program on the concept of KRPL, the benefits and techniques of cultivating vegetables and TOGA, and business analysis; (3) training and practice of cultivation in yard land; and (4) mentoring. This community service program was implemented in Sudimoro Village, Teras District, Boyolali Regency. Empowermentactivities resulted in increased knowledge and skills among Dawis members in cultivating vegetables and TOGA, as well as the availability of vegetable and TOGA plants that Dawis members and the surrounding community utilize.