Improving Household Income and Changing Waste Perception through Community-Based Coconut Shell Charcoal Processing Training

Evy Rachmawati Chaldun; Desy Kharohmayani; Azizah Mumtazah Efson; Akbar Adhi  Utama; Ana Noveria

doi:10.29062/engagement.v10i3.2356

Evy Rachmawati Chaldun School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB)
Desy Kharohmayani School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB)
Azizah Mumtazah Efson School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB)
Akbar Adhi Utama School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB)
Ana Noveria School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29062/engagement.v10i3.2356

Keywords: Coconut shell charcoal, Community empowerment, Circular economy, Entrepreneurship training, Rural enterpreneurship

Abstract

Background: Coconut shell waste in rural agricultural communities represents a largely underutilised resource due to limited processing knowledge, lack of organised entrepreneurship, and absent institutional support. Adabai Village, East Seram Regency, Maluku Province, produces significant quantities of coconut shells that are routinely discarded or burned, despite their high economic potential as raw material for charcoal production.

Purpose of the Study: This community service activity aimed to increase farmers’ knowledge of the economic value of coconut shell waste, build the capacity of business groups in entrepreneurship and financial management, and collect qualitative data as a foundation for a sustainable coconut shell charcoal enterprise.

Methods: A qualitative case study approach was employed, integrating Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), Experiential Learning, and Project-Based Learning. A total of 16 respondents participated, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via structured interview guides and field observations, and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: The programme produced a three-fold increase in economic value per sack of coconut shells (from Rp 15,000–22,500 to Rp 65,400–65,574), and 87.5% of participants expressed readiness to join a collective business group. Five key qualitative findings were identified: a shift in waste perception, collective entrepreneurial readiness, identification of technology and capital needs, strong village government support (including potential BUMDes integration), and significant export and domestic market potential for charcoal products.

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