Diversivikasi Produk Gula Aren Cair Rasa Vanila di Kabupaten Takalar

Abstract

This community service program aims to empower local communities through product innovation based on regional potential, particularly the diversification of palm sugar into vanilla-flavored liquid palm sugar. Takalar Regency has abundant natural resources, especially from palm plantations, yet most are still processed traditionally with limited economic value. Therefore, this program seeks to enhance the community’s skills in processing local raw materials into innovative, marketable products with higher economic value and competitiveness. The activity was conducted at PKBM Satria Mangindara, which served as the strategic partner in organizing participants, providing facilities, and functioning as a local community learning center.The implementation method included socialization, technical training, appropriate technology application, intensive mentoring, and participatory evaluation using a collaborative and participatory approach that involved community members at every stage. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in technical skills, particularly in producing, packaging, and marketing vanilla-flavored liquid palm sugar. Furthermore, the community’s entrepreneurial motivation and awareness of innovation in local product development increased noticeably.Overall, the program proves that the application of simple innovation and appropriate technology, when combined with continuous mentoring, can strengthen the economic independence of rural communities and serve as a model for sustainable, locally driven economic development.