The Importance of Community Empowerment through Strengthening Farmer Groups in the Forest Management Unit (KPH) Way Terusan Central Lampung, Lampung Province Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to examine and determine the implementation of activities in strengthening the Forest Farmer Group (KTH) in Way Terusan Forest Management Unit (KPH) of Central Lampung, Lampung Province. This study is conducted because apparently only about 87% of 42 forest farmer group still actively run their program. The research was conducted on August - September 2022 using direct observation research method by collecting primary and secondary data. There were 42 respondents that represented the 42 KTH as a research data. The data is analyzed by using descriptive approach that includes both descriptive qualitative and descriptive quantitative research. Based on the results, it is known that the implementation of activities in strengthening farmer groups in KPH Way Terusan are: forming the KTH and involving them in all activities, such as the Fire Care Community activity, Community capacity building based on needs, Improving community welfare through the development of creative economy businesses, Establishing Community Self - Help Forestry Extension Officers (PKSM) and the Establishment of Community Polhut Partners (MMP). The success of strengthening this KTH are supported by :(1) Understanding the potential and weaknesses of the group (39 respondents), (2) Considering the opportunities and challenges that will be faced in the future (28 respondents), (3) Choosing various alternatives that exist to overcome the problems faced (33 Respondents), (4) Organizing group and community life in harmony with the environment on an daily basis (42 respondents), (5) Have expertise and partners in promote results the forest after participate in programs implemented by KPH (40 Respondents). The conclusion of this research is 42 respondents agree that success reinforcement on KTH is supported with exists increase connection life group and coexistent society with environment in a manner continuous.