Development of Diversification of Local Food Products to Realize Food Sovereignty in Bleberan Village, Playen Sub-district, Gunungkidul Regency

Abstract

The development of local food product diversification is one of the key strategies to achieve food sovereignty. However, efforts toward this goal have not yet been fully integrated into farmers' agricultural practices, resulting in a limited variety of local food products. In response to this issue, this community engagement program aims to educate the public on recognizing the potential and opportunities for developing local food product diversification, enhance community knowledge and skills regarding food diversification, and increase active participation in promoting local food diversification as a means to realize food sovereignty. The program began with field observations to gather participant data, identify the types of crops cultivated by local farmers, and schedule activities in coordination with community partners. This was followed by focus group discussions (FGDs) and public outreach sessions with pre-selected participants. The analysis of the program activities employed a qualitative descriptive approach. The results indicate that the initiative successfully raised community awareness about the potential and opportunities for local food diversification, provided relevant knowledge and skills, and fostered greater community involvement in the diversification process. This activity has also fostered the commitment of both the village government and the local community to ensure the sustainability of the program through continued assistance, either via future Community Engagement Programs (PKM) organized by the UGM Graduate School (SPs) or through student participation in the Community Service Program (KKN-PM).