Community Service Award in Sinjai, Unismuh Faculty Encourages Coffee Farmers to Master Downstream Processing

UNISMUH.AC.ID, SINJAI — A number of academics from Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar are collaborating with coffee farmers and farmer groups in Bonto Tengnga Village, Sinjai Borong Subdistrict, Sinjai Regency, to strengthen their capacity in developing downstream coffee-based products. This socialization activity is part of an effort to realize village-based economic independence based on local potential.

This program, initiated by the community service team, focuses on two main groups: Balantieng Coffee Farmer Group, which has land of approximately 50 hectares with 26 members, and the Persatuan Women Farmer Group, which consists of 30 people. Both are key partners in developing production quality, post-harvest innovation, and coffee processing diversification such as chips, product packaging, and strengthening women entrepreneurship.

The head of the team, Dr. Muh. Arief Muhsin, M.Pd, explained that empowering farmers in Sinjai is no longer enough to simply increase yields. According to him, the future challenge lies in the ability of the community to master the value chain to downstream.

"We want farmers to not only sell raw coffee beans but to be able to process, package, and market products independently. This is the meaning of village economic independence that we promote," said Arief when confirmed, Monday, November 3, 2025.

He added that downstreaming is the key to preventing farmers from being trapped in fluctuating prices at the wholesale level. With an understanding of post-harvest and packaging technology, the selling value of the products can increase two to three times.

Synergy Between Academia and Village Government

This program is the result of collaboration between the Lembaga Penelitian, Pengembangan, and Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (LP3M) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology through the 2025 village empowerment grant scheme.

The Head of Bonto Tengnga Village, Bakhtiar, SE, fully supports this initiative and considers the activity a strategic step in fostering local economic growth.

"We hope that this program is not just a training but also continuous support so that the results can really benefit farmers and village women," said Bakhtiar.

Arief added that the support will be carried out in stages for three years, including training in coffee processing technology, micro business management, and digital marketing. In the first year, the focus is on improving bean quality and simple roasting techniques; the second year strengthens the development of derivative products; and the third year prepares for a joint business cooperative.

Village Women as the Driving Force of Downstream

The involvement of the Persatuan Women Farmer Group is an important aspect of this program. They are not only trained to make processed products such as packaged coffee and coffee-based snacks, but they are also equipped with digital promotion skills to reach a wider market.

"Village women have great potential in local entrepreneurship. With the right skills, they can be the driving force of household and village economies," said Arief.

He added that empowering women in the agricultural and agricultural processing sectors is a key strategy in reducing economic inequality in villages.

The coffee downstreaming program in Bonto Tengnga is expected to be a model for other villages in South Sulawesi that have similar commodity potential. In addition to creating new economic opportunities, this initiative also strengthens local identity and community spirit.

"Coffee is not just a commodity, but a symbol of hard work and cooperation. If the community can manage from upstream to downstream, the village will not only be productive, but also economically sovereign," concluded Arief.