Empowerment Program to Increase Community Capacity Through the Processing of Palm Sugar In Kolaka Regency

Abstract

Objective: This research analyzes the government's endeavors to support the community in their conservation efforts pertaining to sugar palm trees. Theoretical Framework: Damage to the natural environment is related to the habits of local communities when utilizing forest products. These empowerment programs could prevent the damage. However, in implementing community empowerment, we often find that program activities have not reached the actual level of participation. The government's role in implementing the palm sugar empowerment program remain dominant. The greater the independence given to the community, the more successful the empowerment program will be. Methods: A comprehensive approach involving observations and interviews with the local community and stakeholders was employed for data collection. Findings: The results showed that the level of community participation in the palm sugar conservation program only reached the placation stage. Conclusions: The dominance of the government in determining the success of empowerment initiatives suggests that the palm tree conservation program is not operating at its optimal capacity.