Community Empowerment Through the Processing of Organic Waste into Eco-Enzyme and Compost to Support Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

Organic waste accumulation remains a significant environmental challenge due to inadequate waste management practices and limited public awareness regarding waste utilization. Many communities continue to dispose of organic waste without processing it into value-added products, resulting in environmental pollution and inefficient resource use. This community service study aimed to empower community members through the processing of organic waste into eco-enzyme and compost to support environmental sustainability. The study employed a participatory community empowerment approach involving 30 community members who actively participated in educational activities, practical training, mentoring, and evaluation sessions. Data were collected through observations, interviews, questionnaires, pre-tests, post-tests, and documentation. The research instruments included observation sheets, interview guidelines, knowledge assessment questionnaires, and participant feedback forms. Data were analyzed using descriptive quantitative and qualitative techniques by comparing participants’ knowledge and skills before and after program implementation and interpreting participant responses throughout the activities. The results indicated that participants’ knowledge of organic waste management increased from 46.7% before the intervention to 86.7% after the program. Practical skills in producing eco-enzyme and compost improved significantly, with 83.3% of participants successfully completing the production process independently. Furthermore, 80.0% of participants demonstrated a commitment to implementing sustainable waste management practices in their households. The study concludes that community empowerment through eco-enzyme and compost production is an effective strategy for enhancing environmental awareness, strengthening waste management skills, and promoting sustainable resource utilization. The findings imply that integrated community-based organic waste management programs can serve as a practical model for fostering environmental sustainability and supporting local economic empowerment.