PERAN KELOMPOK WANITA TANI DALAM PEMBERDAYAAN EKONOMI MASYARAKAT DESA

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh aktivitas kelompok wanita tani yang berupaya keras dalam menciptakan kemandirian dalam bidang ekonomi melalui upaya pemberdayaan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan peran kelompok wanita tani Mandiri dalam upaya pemberdayaan ekonomi masyarakat Desa Situsari Kecamatan Karangpawitan Kabupaten Garut. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode studi deskriptif, teknik pengumpulan data yang dilakukan yakni observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan studi dokumentasi. Merujuk hasil temuan, bahwa : (1) peran keterlibatan kelompok wanita tani Mandiri dalam upaya pemberdayaan dibuktikan melalui program serta kegiatan yang dilakukan melalui beberapa tahapan, diantaranya perencanaan, pelaksanaan, pemasaran dan evaluasi; (2) hasil yang diperoleh dalam upaya pemberdayaan ekonomi masyarakat desa yakni meningkatnya keterampilan anggota kelompok wanita tani Mandiri serta anggota masyarakat, terciptanya produk berbahan dasar buah jeruk yakni sirup jeruk, selai jeruk, pangsit jeruk dan kriuk (kerupuk kulit jeruk) yang berhasil dipasarkan; (3) hambatan yang dialami oleh kelompok wanita tani Mandiri dalam upaya pemberdayaan yakni kurangnya dukungan baik moril maupun materil dari pihak pemerintah setempat serta kurangnya partisipasi aktif beberapa anggota dalam menjalankan program pemberdayaan untuk mewujudkan kemandirian.----------This research was motivated by the existence of a women’s farmer group who were put a hard work in creating independence in the economic field in society through empowerment efforts. This study aims to describe the role of Mandiri Women’s Farmer Group in the efforts of economic empowerment in the community of the Situsari Village in Karangpawitan District, Garut Regency. This research uses qualitative approach with descriptive study method, data collection techniques are carried out by observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies. Referring to the findings, that: (1) the participation of Mandiri Women's Farmer Group in empowerment efforts can be proven through programs and activities carried out through several stages, there are planning stages, implementation stages, marketing development and evaluating stages; (2) The results obtained in the efforts of economic empowerment of the village community include increasing skills possessed by members of the Mandiri Women’s Farmer Group and community members, the creation of citrus fruit-based products including orange syrup, orange jam, orange dumplings and kriuk (orange peel crackers) that are successful marketed; (3) An obstacles experienced by the Mandiri Women’s Farmer Group in efforts to empower them include lack of support and assistance both morally and materially from the local government and the lack of active participation of some members in running programs to creating an empowered and independent rural community in the economic sector