<![CDATA[Latar belakang: Sentra produksi gula semut yang memiliki potensi besar namun menghadapi berbagai tantangan, seperti penggunaan alat tradisional, rendahnya motivasi usaha, lemahnya kelembagaan kelompok, kurangnya keterampilan branding, dan belum adanya pembukuan usaha. Tujuan: Untuk meningkatkan kapasitas petani dalam aspek produksi, kewirausahaan, branding, manajemen kelompok, dan pencatatan keuangan. Metode: Mitra kegiatan pengabdian ini yaitu Koperasi Produsen Karnika Mandiri Sejahtera dan Kelompok Wanita Tani Sajeng Mulyo. Metode yang digunakan meliputi pelatihan motivasi usaha, branding, pembukuan, penguatan kelembagaan, dan pelatihan penggunaan alat produksi modern seperti cabinet dryer, evaporator kristalisasi, dan ayakan manual. Hasil: Terjadi peningkatan kapasitas produksi dari 1.000 kg menjadi 1.700 kg per minggu, meningkatnya semangat berwirausaha, terciptanya identitas produk yang kuat, koordinasi kelompok yang lebih efektif, dan penerapan pencatatan keuangan sederhana. Kesimpulan: Pendekatan terpadu melalui pelatihan dan teknologi mampu meningkatkan kemandirian dan daya saing petani, serta penting sebagai strategi pengembangan ekonomi lokal berbasis potensi desa. Kata kunci: gula semut, kewirausahaan, koperasi, pemberdayaan masyarakat, wanita tani _____________________________________________________________ Abstract Background: The palm sugar production center has substantial potential for local economic development but continues to face several challenges, including reliance on traditional production equipment, low entrepreneurial motivation, weak farmer-group institutional capacity, limited branding skills, and the absence of systematic financial record-keeping. Objective: This community engagement program aimed to strengthen farmers’ capacities in production, entrepreneurship, product branding, group management, and financial record-keeping. Method: The program involved the Karnika Mandiri Sejahtera Producer Cooperative and the Sajeng Mulyo Women Farmers Group. An integrated capacity-building approach was implemented through entrepreneurship motivation training, product branding, basic bookkeeping, institutional strengthening, and hands-on training in the use of improved production technologies, including a cabinet dryer, crystallization evaporator, and manual sieve. Result: The intervention increased production capacity from 1,000 kg to 1,700 kg per week, representing a 70% increase. In addition, the program strengthened participants’ entrepreneurial motivation, facilitated the development of a distinctive product identity, improved group coordination and institutional management, and promoted the adoption of simple financial record-keeping practices. Conclusion: An integrated approach combining capacity-building interventions with appropriate production technologies can enhance the self-reliance, productivity, and competitiveness of smallholder palm sugar producers. The findings highlight the importance of technology-enabled community empowerment as a strategic approach to strengthening village-based economic development and optimizing local productive potential. Keywords: palm sugar, entrepreneurship, producer cooperative, community empowerment, women farmers]]>
