From the Slopes of Mount Kawi, IPB University KKNT Innovation Team Supports Village in Developing Local Commodities
The Kuliah Kerja Nyata Tematik (KKNT) Inovasi IPB University team in Kebobang Village, Wonosari District, Malang Regency, East Java, conducted a food security extension program. Collaborating with village officials, the event was aimed at representatives of Dasawisma (local women’s groups) across Kebobang Village.
This activity is part of the Mutiara Desa (Planting Cassava for Agroeduwisata in the Village) program, following previous training on planting cassava in limited areas. The students aimed to assist the village in developing a local commodity: Kawi cassava.
The extension was held as a follow-up to the support provided and featured Anita Primaswari Widhiani SP, MSi, a lecturer from the School of Business at IPB University, as the speaker. She emphasized that risk management is a crucial part of program sustainability.
“Risk is something that could occur in the future. What lies ahead? Are there any factors that could hinder us from achieving our goals? Risk management can help us anticipate these issues to avoid surprises,” said Anita.
The Kebobang Village Government welcomed this integrated program as part of the food security initiative. Mujiati, SPd, the Chief of Kebobang Village, stated, “Kawi cassava is a well-known commodity from Mount Kawi, but unfortunately, there is no central cultivation facility yet. We hope that being in the vicinity of Mount Kawi, we can develop it into a distinctive local souvenir.”
She further expressed that the presence of IPB University academics through the KKNT Inovasi program greatly contributed in terms of knowledge and preparation before the Dasawisma groups in Kebobang Village begin their independent practices in their respective areas.
“Working together with the KKNT Inovasi students today, we are able to synergize in the village food security program. Hopefully, this program will continue with the knowledge provided by the lecturer to be applied during practice across all Dasawisma,” Mujiati added.
