Understanding the concept of community empowerment in Argorejo Village Sedayu Bantul Regency Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to describe the meaning of community empowerment concept of mushroom farmers. The study was conducted in Lestari Makmur farmer group using a qualitative paradigm approach, with qualitative descriptive method. The information is obtained through in-depth interviews using a question guide. Eight informants, the leader and members of the farmer group involved in the cultivation of the mushroom were interviewed. The finding showed that there was a diversity in understanding the meaning of the concept of community empowerment among the mushroom faarmers. Farmers understand community empowerment concept with their own perceptions. The group leader tends to interpret community empowerment comprehensively (Comprehensive Meaning), and group members interpret the concept of community empowerment in a more diverse manner (Comprehensive Meaning, Partial Meaning, and Empty Meaning). Community empowerment through mushroom cultivation while providing solutions to deal with global climate change through the business of agriculture using microclimateIt is suggested to conduct socialization about the concept of community empowerment by competent parties (espeacially the government) when starting the activities of community empowerment in a farmer group.