Semarang, September 14, 2024 – As a concrete effort to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the PPK Ormawa Team of the HMPPE FEB UNNES launched two innovations for coconut farmers in Branjang Village, Semarang Regency. The initiatives, which focus on the modern climbing tool “Climbo Tech” and product diversification training, directly target the three pillars of the SDGs: Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). The event, held on Sunday (September 14, 2024) in Cemanggah Kidul Hamlet, was attended not only by farmers but also by village officials and supervising lecturers, signifying multi-stakeholder collaboration to build a more sustainable and equitable agricultural future.
Climbo Tech, a sturdy steel-framed climbing device, directly addresses the challenges raised in SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), particularly in promoting safe and secure working environments. This device is designed to minimize the risk of workplace accidents that have plagued traditional coconut farmers. “Previously, climbing coconut trees was very risky and tiring. With Climbo Tech, we can harvest more quickly and safely. This is truly helpful because occupational safety is a priority,” said Umar Zaid Rantisi, a member of the Student Organization (Ormawa) PPK Team.
The presence of Climbo Tech also reflects the spirit of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). This device is a basic infrastructure innovation that supports efficient production processes in the agricultural sector, which is the backbone of the rural economy. Furthermore, training in making Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) and coconut sauce is a concrete implementation of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). This program encourages farmers to shift from simply selling low-value raw materials (coconuts) to producing high-value-added commodities. This aligns with the principles of reducing waste and optimizing natural resources sustainably.
“Most farmers have only sold coconuts as fresh fruit. By learning to process them into VCO and soy sauce, they not only gain a higher selling price but also open up new market opportunities. This is a form of substantive economic empowerment,” explained Juwita Ria Rumondang, S.Pd., M.Pd., a speaker at the training.
The participants, including Fajrian, were enthusiastic. “I feel very helped. From climbing equipment to oil and soy sauce production, we practiced everything together. Climbo Tech makes work easier, while VCO and soy sauce provide new avenues for additional income,” he said.
This ongoing mentoring program, involving village officials and regular evaluations, is designed to ensure long-term impact. By aligning local innovation with the principles of the SDGs, this program not only improves the welfare of coconut farmers in Branjang Village but also contributes to achieving the global development agenda, starting from the grassroots.
