Empowerment of the Coastal Community in Cipatujah Village through Coconut Product Diversification Based on Participatory Action Research (PAR) to Support Food Sovereignty and the Blue Economy

Abstract

Coastal communities play a strategic role in supporting national food sovereignty, particularly through the sustainable utilization of local resources. Cipatujah Village, as a coastal area, has abundant coconut resources; however, their utilization remains largely limited to raw material sales with low added economic value. This condition results in limited community income and the suboptimal contribution of coastal sectors to the development of the blue economy. This Community Service Program aims to empower the coastal community of Cipatujah Village through coconut product diversification based on Participatory Action Research (PAR) to support food sovereignty and the blue economy. The PAR approach actively involves the community in all stages of the program, including problem identification, action planning, implementation, and reflection. The program was conducted on November 19 and involved approximately 20 participants from the local coastal community. Activities included capacity building through training on coconut processing into value-added products, hands-on production assistance, and strengthening participants’ understanding of food sovereignty and blue economy concepts. Preliminary results indicate an increase in participants’ knowledge and skills in coconut product processing, as well as the development of collective awareness regarding the importance of sustainable coastal resource management. This program is expected to serve as a model for local resource-based coastal community empowerment that contributes to economic strengthening and sustainable coastal development.