Empowerment Of Local Communities Research Articles

Unmaking capitalism through community empowerment: Findings from Italian agricultural experiences

Capitalism – in the theorizations of sustainability transformation – has been largely taken for granted for its misleadingly assumed stability and homogeneity, thus limiting the scope for defining alternative futures, policy options and strategies for transformative change. Theorizations regarding sustainable transformative pathways have often overshadowed a nuanced landscape of normative and ontological pluralism thus contributing to generating techno-centric and top-down responses to issues such as access to food, farmers' control over the food-chain and global environmental change. The expansion of capital, under a mechanism of production-reproduction, with a constant attempt to subsume different forms of production into the global market, generates manifold temporal frictions that, on the one hand, contribute to the consolidation of the capitalist model and, on the other hand, give rise to conflicting elements and re-orientation of modernity in a process of “unmaking” of capitalism. This article, drawing upon empirical work conducted in Northern Italy, presents two experiences emerging from the scenario of local food networks, namely the “C’è Campo” Participatory Guarantee System and the “Ortazzo” Community Supported Agriculture project. These show elements and mechanisms of local community empowerment for unmaking capitalism from the inside, as steps for a sustainable and bottom-up transformation which do not necessarily imply the generation of socio-economic novelties ex-nihilo. The “conventionalization” of organic agriculture has pushed those actors who participate in local food networks to reconfigure their self-regulation towards a “bottom-up” approach driven by the adoption of PGS or CSA instruments as an attempt to secure or reacquire control over the market and the construction of quality. Convivial tools, in particular, are crucial for understanding - and finding responses to - the social, economic, cultural and environmental crisis that contemporary society is now facing.

Economic Valuation of Mangroves and a Linear Mixed Model-Assisted Framework for Identifying Its Main Drivers: A Case Study in Benin

Mangroves are brackish wetland ecosystems found in tropical areas. They are highly productive ecosystems that contribute to the economic empowerment of local communities. Proper estimation of their monetary value and the extent of their contribution to rural households’ income, although challenging, is paramount for sustainable management decisions. This study aimed to estimate the total economic wealth earned from mangrove ecosystems in Benin. Specifically, the study assessed the diversity of ecosystem services (ESs) provided by mangroves and the contribution of ESs to the total annual economic value of mangroves, and it identified socio-demographic drivers of the total economic value at the individual informant level. In total, 298 informants from 15 villages were interviewed to determine the diversity of mangrove ESs. The ESs were then gathered per category. Household-level economic values of mangroves, economic values of mangroves per ES category, and total economic value were estimated by combining diverse approaches. The contribution of each category of ES to the total economic value (TEV) was determined. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to describe the relationships between the economic value of categories of ESs. A Linear Mixed Effect Model (LMEM) was used to determine valid socio-demographic drivers of the TEV. Twenty-nine ESs were identified, with regulation and recreation services being the best contributors to annual TEV, which was estimated at USD 1.29 billion (USD 195,223.69/hectare). Stakeholdership followed by household size are the main socio-demographic drivers of TEV. The identified ESs and their estimated economic value can be incorporated into policy briefs and technical sheets to (i) promote ESs for the optimisation of TEV and (ii) raise awareness and funding for the conservation and sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems.

Public participation and climate change governance: Between political approach and local actors’ perspective in two Macaronesian territories

Climate change (CC) is the major current environmental challenge influencing the balance of ecosystems, livelihoods, social organization, public health, and well-being. The Autonomous Region of Madeira and the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands, considered outermost regions (ORs), form part of continental countries (Portugal and Spain, respectively) and integrate Macaronesia. Due to their location and idiosyncratic characteristics, they are also particularly vulnerable to CC. Regional and local mitigation and adaptation plans and strategies are in force, but policies still do not respond to CC challenges or fully recognize or integrate public participation in their definition and implementation. This article investigates the relevance of public participation in CC policies and how it has been carried out by decision-makers. Thereby, it intends to understand the evolution of CC policies in the archipelagos of Madeira and the Canary Islands, as they have met the interests of relevant scientific, administrative, and economic actors, often underestimating the contributions of other actors, and how public involvement and participation is key to resolve socio-environmental issues in the territories. With this aim in mind, we have conducted a document analysis of the legislation, programs, and strategies on CC, complemented by 20 in-depth interviews, 10 in Madeira and 10 in Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, to a group of local actors, including scientists, technicians, and politicians. Our study shows that despite the efforts leveraged by European and national guidelines, the status quo prevails, with political and institutional arenas systematically keeping their distance from concrete realities of quotidian life. The results show evidence that at international, supranational, and national levels, and at regional/local levels, CC policies often perpetuate domain ties, sectoral and private interests, and are outlined according to narratives not accessible to all actors. Therefore, discourses—political, academic, and corporate—prolong power relations and knowledge that express an institutionalised truth. Thus, we argue that proximity governance is crucial to raise awareness of socio-environmental problems, complement existing knowledge, incite action, and empower local communities. This means that without a collaborative endeavor to boost the required changes, individually and collectively, CC policies might be difficult to implement.

Local Resources-Based Community Empowerment Model to Achieve Food Security in the Indonesian Border Community of North Sebatik

Many scholars now see border areas to have a srategic value. They are no longer seen as the backyard of a country but the front yard that must be seen well developed. Therefore border communities must be empowered to be independent from neighboring countries. These include efforts to increase these independence through community empowerment. Community empowerment can increase the independence and welfare of the community through increasing knowledge, attitudes/behaviors, skills, abilities, awareness, and utilization of resources. Through the process, it is expected that human resources capacity will increase in food security. How the efforts to empower border communities adopt local resources, instead of a top down approach, however needs forther exploration. This research aims to asses the effects of human and natural capitals in formulating local resources-based Community empowerment model in the sector of food security. This research was conducted in the North Sebatik district, Nunukan regency with 65 sample of farmers selected through simple random sampling techniques. Primary and secondary data were collected through field observations, direct interviews, questionnaire distribution, and information obtained from official government agencies. This research uses human capital, nature capital, and social capital as dependent variables, and community empowerment and food security as independent variables. The analysis method applied Partial Least Square (PLS) by using software WarpPLS 5.0. The results of the research showed that human capital must go through an empowerment process to increase human quality. Natural capital must also go through an empowerment process, as human quality without supported nature resources cannot improve capacity to achieve food security. Social capital must also go through an empowerment process. Community empowerment has an impact on food security, as it can manage existing resources to create and improve household income through locally-based agricultural activities to achieve food security.

Local Resources-Based Community Empowerment Model to Achieve Food Security at the Indonesian Border Community of North Sebatik

Many scholars now see border areas to have a srategic value. They are no longer seen as the backyard of a country but the front yard that must be seen well developed. Therefore border communities must be empowered to be independent from neighboring countries. These include efforts to increase these independence through community empowerment. Community empowerment can increase the independence and welfare of the community through increasing knowledge, attitudes/behaviors, skills, abilities, awareness, and utilization of resources. Throughthe process, it is expected that human resources capacity will increase in food security. How the efforts to empower border communities adopt local resources, instead of a top down approach, however needs forther exploration. This research aims to asses the effects of human and natural capitals in formulating local resources-based Community empowerment model in the sector of food security. This research was conducted in the North Sebatik district, Nunukan regency with 65 sample of farmers selected through simple random sampling techniques. Primary and secondary data were collected through field observations, direct interviews, questionnaire distribution, and information obtained from official government agencies. This research uses human capital, nature capital, and social capital as dependent variables, and community empowerment and food security as independent variables. The analysis method applied Partial Least Square (PLS) by using software WarpPLS 5.0. The results of the research showed that human capital must go through an empowerment process to increase human quality. Natural capital must also go through an empowerment process, as human quality without supported nature resources cannot improve capacity to achieve food security. Social capital must also go through an empowerment process. Community empowerment has an impact on food security, as it can manage existing resources to create and improve household income through locally-based agricultural activities to achieve food security

TOURISM VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY BY GUNUNGSARI VILLAGE GOVERNMENT SADANANYA DISTRICT CIAMIS DISTRICT

This research is motivated by the results of observations which show that the tourism village development strategy by the Gunungsari Village government, Sadananya District, Ciamis Regency is still not optimal. The purpose of this study was to determine the tourism village development strategy by the Gunungsari Village Government, Sadananya District, Ciamis Regency. The method used in this research is descriptive analysis. There are 7 informants. Data collection techniques are library research, field studies (observations and interviews) and documentation. The author uses qualitative data analysis techniques through processing data from interviews and observations to draw conclusions so that they can answer the problems in the study. Based on the results of the study, it is known that: the tourism village development strategy by the village government is not optimal, this is because the village government has not implemented according to the four levels of strategy, this is evidenced by the lack of facilities and infrastructure in tourist villages such as insufficient parking space so that visitors use their shoulders. the road in parking their vehicles in addition to the lack of trash cans so that visitors litter. The promotion system is still lacking in addition to the lack of cooperation with local governments in promoting tourism objects. This is due to the lack of village government in providing guidance and training in the development of tourist villages. Lack of opportunities for local communities to market their work. This is because there is no place to sell the work provided by the village government for the community and there has not been a collection of community works that can be used as souvenirs for visitors who come. Therefore, various efforts have been made, such as maintaining the environment around the tourist village on a regular basis. Adding various facilities and infrastructure that are still lacking and maximizing accessibility and accommodation in tourist villages so that it can make it easier for visitors to come and stay for long at tourist objects and empower local communities by holding business skills training activities so that people can take advantage of existing potential in increasing people's income.

Efektivitas Tanggung Jawab Sosial Perusahaan Pada PT. Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper Tbk Perawang Kecamatan Tualang Kabupaten Siak

The problems that arise in relation to this research are that in the context of implementing corporate social responsibility, it has not been running effectively, which is marked by the lack of precise targeting of the assistance provided in the context of community empowerment by PT. Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper Tbk Perawang to farmers in Tualang District. In addition, the low nominal assistance provided is also an obstacle for local community empowerment programs. In addition, the assistance provided will be returned to the company is also an unusual thing. The purpose of this study was to analyze and explain the effectiveness of corporate social responsibility at PT. Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper Tbk Perawang in Tualang District, Siak Regency. The type of research used is qualitative research with descriptive method. There are two types and sources of data, namely primary data and secondary data. Data collection techniques consist of interviews, observation and documentation. Informants from this research consisted of the Chief Executive of CSR, Head of the TJSP Forum Unit of Bappeda Siak, Coordinator of Agricultural Extension Center in Tualang District and community elements as fostered farmers. The results showed that of the 5 indicators, namely understanding of the program, right on target, on time, achieving goals and real changes had not run effectively. The obstacle faced is that there has not been a collaboration between PT. IKPP, Center for Agricultural Extension and Assisted Farmers. In the future, it is hoped that there will be good cooperation between the parties involved, and that each CSR program activity is free of charge or free, and the CSR forum shows its performance in accordance with applicable regulations.

Bamboo for Riverbanks Rehabilitation and Economy Empowerment of Local Community of Desa Pitu, Ngawi, Jawa Timur

Desa Pitu, located along the Bengawan Solo River in Ngawi, Jawa Timur, is one of the regions with a high risk of flooding due to human activities like as settlement and intensive agriculture along the riverbanks. This phenomena causes soil erosion and crop failure, which reduces the income of the Pitu local community. A rehabilitation strategy is required to resolve this issue, not only for the recovery of the riverbanks but also for the enhancement of the local community’s revenue. The objective of this community activity is to educate the public about the use of bamboo species in riverbank restoration (Dendrocalamus asper). Bamboo is selected because it has both ecological and socioeconomic benefits. This project was conducted between March and September of 2022 on the Grojogan riverbanks, Bengawan Solo River, Desa Pitu. This exercise utilized Focus Group Discussion, lecture, and practice or training as its methods. The population of Desa Pitu might simply adopt bamboo species and cultivate them along riverbanks. The community and the community service team from the Silviculture Department planted 1,000 bamboo seedlings. The survival rate of bamboo plantations exceeded eighty percent, and new shoots grew swiftly (5 - 15 cm for 5 months). Training in bamboo growing and bamboo product processing improved their skills well. The community generates bamboo seedlings successfully through vegetative propagation. In addition, three local communities in Cebongan, Sleman, and Yogyakarta participated in a four-day bamboo processing training program. They were also producing some tables, chairs, and handicrafts with success (woven bamboo).

Exploring the Impact of Tourism on the Community's Economy

The purpose is to determine how the impact of the development of Tanjung Menangis Beach Tourist Destinations on the economic empowerment of local communities in the hamlet of Ketapang Village Peringgabaya Kbupaten East Lombok. The research method used in this study is the descriptive qualitative method. The data collected in this study comes from interviews, observations, and documentation from parties and institutions related to the development of tourism villages, namely business actors and craftsmen. the results of research in the field it is known that the form of Tourism Development in Tanjung Menangis Beach is in the form of infrastructure development both in terms of attractions, amenities, accessibility, ancillary services, and institutions have a positive impact on the economic empowerment of local communities. The research will be interesting to do because they want to know more about the tourist destination Tanjung Menangis Beach with various forms of development that have been done then how the impact of its development on the economic empowerment of local communities.

Searching for Germane Questions in the Ethnobiology of Food Scouting

In the past two decades, ethnobiologists have increasingly paid attention to the scouting and documentation of endangered corpora of local food elements and associated traditional knowledge. In this endeavor, food scouting encompasses the methodological tools used for mapping, inventorying, and documenting food and food-related resources. The growing body of research in this field is shedding light on the potentialities of these practices in obtaining baseline data regarding food heritage, which can, in turn, empower local communities in their dynamic understanding and safeguarding of this resource. While food scouting have been gaining an important role in current food and gastronomic ethnobiological research, as well as in other fields of study (e.g., geography and anthropology), little attention has been paid thus far to the methods and approaches underpinning these activities. To partially fill this gap, this contribution aims to tackle some methodological issues connected to the documentation of food and gastronomic elements embedded in local knowledge. Acknowledging the plethora of methods applicable in food scouting research, we describe three specific applications of food scouting to elicit data on local food diversity, highlighting their prospects and limitations. The first case addresses market surveys to obtain baseline data on the local food systems and their associated diversity, the second focuses on context-based freelisting methods for eliciting wild food plant uses, and the third discusses methods for scouting and inventorying artisanal food products. Acknowledging the contributions of Justin Nolan to the advancement of methods in the field of ethnobiology, we suggest that the methodological toolkit of food scouting should include ad hoc transdisciplinary platforms codesigned together with local food actors.

Community Empowerment through the Development of the Cisaat Tourism Village, Subang Regency

Cisaat Tourism Village's community empowerment is one way the village and government are helping locals make the most of their natural and human resources in order to better manage the tourism potential already present in the area. The purpose of this research is to detail how the growth of the Cisaat tourism village in Subang Regency, West Java, has facilitated a model of local community empowerment. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive methods. From the research, the community empowerment program in Cisaat village, Subang Regency, in general, has been going well, marked by the fulfillment of three aspects, namely the reach of access to empowerment, the level of community participation and supervision of tourist villages. This empowerment has been proven to provide benefits in improving the economy of rural communities, improving village development and increasing the human resources of local communities. There are obstacles faced in empowering the community, including the geographical condition of Cisaat Village which is prone to disasters, uneven human resource capacity and lack of concern for the surrounding environment.

Ecotourism research: a bibliometric review

The paper aims to examine the trends and evolution of ecotourism research in the last 20 years, highlighting co-citations, collaborations, and emerging research themes. A total of 1387 ecotourism-related research from the Web of Science (WoS) database from 1991 to 2021 were analyzed in some bibliometric analyses using CiteSpace V software. The WoS database was scanned using the terms “ecotourism” and “eco-tourism.” While scanning, the “Hospitality, Leisure, Sport, and Tourism” field was selected for filtering, and articles published by September 12, 2021, were accessed. The most frequently studied cluster of topics related to ecotourism includes the creation of local benefits, ecotourism intentions, and community empowerment. The three most frequently used keywords related to ecotourism are “ecotourism,” “tourism,” and “conservation.” The outcome of this research constitutes a unique contribution to the area of ecotourism. The study provides an in-depth bibliometric analysis of publications and identification of important research trends. It also identifies possible avenues for future research in the knowledge domain of ecotourism.

The Forest Management Policy and its Influence in Forest area Utilization and Empowering Forest Communities in Yogyakarta

PurposeThis study wanted to test and determine the impact of implementing forest management policies based on the Forest Management Unit’s role in forest areas and community empowerment in Yogyakarta. MethodThe method used in this study used qualitative research with data sources obtained through surveys with variable measurement results. Samples were taken based on the forest area of the Yogyakarta area seen from the forest planning and management plans as well as the culture of the people in the Yogyakarta area itself. The analysis used also uses Stakeholder Analysis to define the parties who influence this research. ResultResearch results showed that the village community, as a local institution, can collaborate and interact with external parties to develop the local institution. Policies made to develop collaborative activities do not fully accommodate existing situations and conditions. Therefore, collaborative activities require various strategies and innovations to maintain the sustainability of cooperation. Collaborative activities recognize local institutions in forest management. Empowerment of local community using clear design principles will last long and capable of adapting to environmental changes. The success of community institution management does not rely on the institution’s sustainability since community institutions have prevailed through various crises for an extended period. OriginalityThis research is expected to contribute to the efforts on increasing forested areas in forest management policies for Community Empowerment in Indonesia.

Analysis The Potential of Ecotourism In North Gorontalo Regency, Gorontalo Province

Gorontalo Province has abundant potential for tourism resources. The development of ecotourism focuses on aspects of nature conservation, aspects of socio-cultural-economic empowerment of local communities, and aspects of learning and education. One of the tourism potentials in Gorontalo Province is the ecotourism area in North Gorontalo Regency. This study aims to determine the potential for ecotourism in North Gorontalo Regency, Gorontalo Province. Field observation research methods consist of direct measurements, interviews, and distributing questionnaires. This ecotourism potential analysis uses 2 main parameters, namely physical parameters and institutional, social, economic, and environmental parameters with 10 assessment criteria consisting of (1) Physical Parameters: Distance, facilities and infrastructure, accessibility, attractiveness, and availability of clean water. (2) Institutional, Social, Economic, and Environmental Parameters consisting of Management, entertainment attractions, security, sales of souvenirs and food, and spatial planning. Of the three tourist objects that are the object of research, the results show that two of them have high potential and one of them has medium potential as ecotourism. The tourist objects in question are Minanga Beach with a final scoring value of 3.15 and Mohinggito Island 3.25 which are included in the high potential category. Meanwhile, Diyonumo Island received a final score of 2.95 which is included in the medium category.

Leveraging Media for Environmental Empowerment: A Study on PT Indaco Warna Dunia's CSR Initiatives in Fostering a Smart Society

This study examines the role of media as a vital tool in promoting environmental empowerment through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of PT Indaco Warna Dunia, a leading paint manufacturer in Indonesia. In the context of the conference theme “The Role of Smart Society in Sustainable and Green Economic Environment,” this paper delves into the effectiveness of media-centric CSR strategies in fostering a smart society that values sustainability and environmental stewardship. The research employs a qualitative case study approach, analyzing PT Indaco Warna Dunia's media-focused CSR programs, which include awareness campaigns, educational content, and digital platforms that encourage community engagement. These media initiatives were evaluated based on their ability to enhance environmental awareness, facilitate stakeholder collaboration, and encourage responsible behavior. Findings reveal that the effective utilization of media in CSR initiatives has significantly contributed to the empowerment of local communities, leading to better environmental management practices and more sustainable lifestyles. The study highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships, as well as the need for continuous innovation in the development of media tools, to ensure long-term impact and scalability of environmental empowerment efforts. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the potential of media as a catalyst for environmental empowerment within a smart society context.

POTENTIALITY OF COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM HOMESTAY FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD IN NEPAL: A REVIEW

The encouragement of rural tourism supports the rural economy. A novel approach to tourist growth in Nepal is homestays, which offer an extraordinary chance to experience, share, and perceive the various rural lifestyles, customs, and cultures. The ability of the homestay program to alleviate concerns about poverty is a source of satisfaction for travelers worldwide. However, other people, particularly those who focus more on income poverty, claim that homestay tourism can aid in reducing poverty. Homestay tourism, regarded as one of the critical economic drivers, aids the empowerment of local communities by conserving their magnificent culture. The income of impoverished rural people can also get viewed as a result of the good indirect influence and induced homestay tourism. A novel approach to tourist growth in Nepal is home-stays, which offer a wonderful chance to experience, share, and perceive the various rural lifestyles, customs, and cultures. Through the encouragement of rural tourism, it supports the rural economy. The ability of the home stay program to alleviate concerns of poverty is a source of satisfaction for travelers worldwide. However, other people, particularly those who focus more on income poverty, claim that homestay tourism can aid in reducing poverty. Homestay tourism, which is regarded as one of the key economic drivers, aids the empowerment of local communities by conserving their magnificent culture. The income of rural impoverished people can also be viewed as a result of the indirect good influence and induced of home stay tourism.

Decentralisation and the empowerment of local communities in Tanzania with special focus on water issues

ABSTRACT Action researchers are empowered because they carry out research with rather than on participants. Likewise, the Tanzanian government has been attempting to devolve power to the people since independence. The latest efforts started in the 1980s and focused on the devolution of power from central government to the people through local governments. The uniqueness of the decentralization process and the associated reforms in the country have attracted some scholarly attention, with researchers asserting that the existing model of local government, famously known as Decentralization by Devolution (D-by-D), has considerable potential. However, past research on decentralization has generally been disempowering. Using Action Research (AR), this study aimed to explore strategies to empower local marginalized communities, as co-researchers, to identify key local challenges in accessing public resources, notably water, and enable them to take initial steps towards addressing them through existing local government structures. The application of AR suggests that Tanzania has strong local government structures that can accommodate the participation of marginalized communities in the management of water and other public resources. Nevertheless, local communities need to be empowered through participatory approaches to best interact with the local government structures and ensure accountability in the management of such resources.

Business Development Strategy and Energy Analysis in the Manufacture of Agricultural Waste Bio-briquette in Post COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: The existence of rice straw waste and wood sawdust is a potential that can be used as bio-briquettes to improve the community's economy. Agricultural waste is an environmentally friendly energy source that has contributed to one-tenth of primary energy consumption. Bio- briquettes have the opportunity to substitute fossil fuels by utilizing wasted biomass and increasing the economic empowerment of local communities. This research was conducted to examine business development strategies and energy produced by bio-briquettes from waste rice straws and wood sawdust.
 Methodology: Business development strategy analysis is carried out by forming farmer groups and branding for their businesses, and the production of bio-briquettes is carried out by carbonation and gluing methods.
 Results: Marketing and improvement of bio-briquette products are carried out by forming groups of farmers and creating their business names. This study found that the bio-briquette business has a positive influence on improving the local community's economy. The results of the research show that the bio-briquettes that have been made have the potential to become a business opportunity at the household level that has the quality that meets SNI 016235-2000.
 Implication: This research focuses on developing the household economy with a cause marketing strategy and provides an overview of briquette product marketing efforts that have the opportunity to substitute fossil fuels by utilizing wasted biomass and increasing the economic empowerment of the local community. This research was conducted to examine strategies for developing household businesses that are useful for business start- ups after COVID-19.

GERAKAN PEMANFAATAN LAHAN SEBAGAI UPAYA PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT UNTUK KETAHANAN PANGAN PADA MASA PANDEMI COVID-19 DI KOTA YOGYAKARTA

This research aims to discuss how the strategy of community empowerment in building food self-sufficiency in the City of Yogyakarta Covid-19. Qualitative research using an explanatory method. Data collection techniques were carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation. Based on the research that has been done that the land use movement and the existence of community empowerment programs during the Covid-19 pandemic in the city of Yogyakarta. The land use movement functions as an effort to build food self-sufficiency and community-based local community empowerment. This program is also a space for collaboration between community stakeholders and the agriculture office as well as financial support from the special budget of the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Other findings, there are several benefits for farmer groups and the surrounding community, namely being able to create and develop group potential, employment opportunities, helping group welfare, being able to meet community food needs. In addition, there are obstacles experienced such as erratic weather conditions affecting crop yields, lack of participation among group members, lack of consistency to maintain every agenda that will be carried out and market support to buy community products.

Strategi Komunikasi Pemerintah Kabupaten Bener Meriah dalam Pemasaran Kopi Gayo dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat

Communication strategy of the Bener Meriah Regency Government in the marketing of Gayo coffee. The problems of this study are; how the communication strategy of the Bener Meriah Regency Government in marketing Gayo coffee, how the obstacles of the Bener Meriah Regency government in marketing Gayo coffee, how the credibility of communicators in marketing Gayo coffee, and local community empowerment in gayo coffee marketing. The research method in this study uses qualitative research approach, using observation, interview and point documentation techniques. In this study, the authors use the theory of communicator credibility. The results of this study are the communication strategy of the Bener Meriah Regency government in marketing Gayo coffee using the methods; marketing communication strategy through advertising in exhibitions and events, through foreign trade missions by ministries, and promotions through digital processes and social media. The credibility of the communicator in marketing Gayo coffee is good enough to increase sales, so that Gayo coffee can be well-known to foreign countries. The government’s effort to appreciate marketing communicators have also been quite good, so that communicators are more enthusiastic and creative. Barriers to the government of Bener Meriah Regency in marketing Gayo coffee are (1) Barriers to entering the industrial market, (2) Inadequate facilities and technology, (3) Barriers in regulations, especially employment, taxation and trade, (4) Lack of motivation and trade, (5) Low capital, (7) Processing and packaging technology that has not been fully mastered. The Bener Meriah Regency Government has carried out community empowerment by utilizing its natural resources, providing assistance in the form of directions, outreach, and training on Gayo coffee management.