TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF BIOSAKA MAKING TO REDUCE DEPENDENCE ON CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS AND PESTICIDES

Abstract

This community service activity was carried out as an effort to increase community capacity in developing environmentally friendly natural fertilizers and pesticides through training in Biosaka making. The activity was carried out at the Nusantara Gymnastics Group (KSN) RT 51, 15 Polos Village, Central Metro District, Metro City, which is an active community in social and environmental activities. The main purpose of this activity is to raise public awareness of the dangers of dependence on agricultural chemicals while increasing their ability to produce and utilize Biosaka independently. The implementation method consists of socialization, training and demonstration stages, field practice assistance, and evaluation of activity results. The results of the implementation showed an increase in public knowledge about the concept and benefits of Biosaka by 85% based on simple pretest and posttest analysis. Qualitatively, the community showed high enthusiasm, was able to practice making Biosaka independently, and was committed to forming small production groups. Another impact felt is the increase in social solidarity and ecological awareness of citizens in managing the green environment. This activity succeeded in fostering community independence in realizing sustainable urban agriculture and strengthening the university's role as an agent of social change.