<![CDATA[Pemberdayaan ekonomi lokal berbasis potensi sumber daya alam merupakan strategi penting dalam meningkatkan kesejahteraan masyarakat perdesaan secara berkelanjutan. Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini bertujuan meningkatkan kapasitas teknis dan manajerial kelompok ternak lebah madu KUBE Banyu Aji di Desa Welahan Wetan, Kabupaten Cilacap, melalui pengembangan madu sebagai produk unggulan desa. Program dilaksanakan selama enam bulan menggunakan pendekatan Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), meliputi identifikasi kebutuhan dan potensi lokal, pelatihan teknis budidaya lebah madu, pendampingan produksi, penguatan manajemen usaha, serta evaluasi partisipatif. Data dikumpulkan melalui pre-test dan post-test, observasi lapangan, diskusi kelompok terarah, dan survei pendapatan rumah tangga. Hasil evaluasi menunjukkan peningkatan signifikan keterampilan teknis peternak, dengan skor rata-rata pre-test sebesar 35–45 meningkat menjadi 75–82 pada post-test. Peningkatan terbesar terjadi pada aspek teknik panen madu higienis dan manajemen koloni lebah. Observasi lapangan mengonfirmasi perbaikan praktik pemeliharaan sarang, penggunaan alat panen berbahan stainless steel, serta pengemasan madu sesuai standar mutu. Selain itu, kelompok berhasil mengembangkan produk turunan seperti madu herbal dan salep propolis serta memperluas jaringan pemasaran melalui koperasi desa dan pelaku usaha lokal. Dampak ekonomi menunjukkan peningkatan pendapatan rumah tangga peternak sebesar 30–45%. Program ini memperkuat kemandirian ekonomi masyarakat dan berpotensi direplikasi di desa lain dengan karakteristik serupa. Community Empowerment through the Development of Honey Bee Farming Groups to Strengthen the Local Economy Based on Natural Products: Honey Abstract Community empowerment based on local natural resource potential is a key strategy for strengthening sustainable rural economies. This community service program aimed to enhance the technical and managerial capacities of the honey bee farming group KUBE Banyu Aji in Welahan Wetan Village, Cilacap Regency, by developing honey as a flagship local product. The program was implemented over six months using a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach, including needs and potential assessment, technical training in honey bee cultivation, production mentoring, business management strengthening, and participatory evaluation. Data were collected through pre-test and post-test assessments, field observations, focus group discussions, and household income surveys. Quantitative results indicated a significant improvement in participants’ technical skills, with average pre-test scores ranging from 35–45 and post-test scores increasing to 75–82. The most notable improvements were observed in hygienic honey harvesting techniques and colony management practices. Qualitative field observations confirmed better hive sanitation, use of stainless steel harvesting equipment, and standardized honey packaging. In addition, the group successfully developed value-added honey products, such as herbal honey and propolis ointment, and expanded market access through collaboration with village cooperatives and local businesses. Economic impact assessment showed an increase in household income of 30–45%. This program strengthened community economic independence and demonstrates strong potential for replication in other rural areas with similar ecological conditions.]]>
