Empowering Rural Communities through Household Garden Utilization: An Asset-Based Approach to Butterfly Pea Cultivation

Abstract

This community empowerment program aimed to strengthen household garden utilization through butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) cultivation in Sumberame Village, Gresik, Indonesia. The program employed the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach through five stages: Define, Discovery, Dream, Design, and Deliver. The participants were members of the Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) community. Activities included community assessment, cultivation education, butterfly pea tea preparation demonstrations, and distribution of seedlings and planting media. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. The results indicated increased utilization of previously underused household garden spaces, greater awareness of environmental management, and improved community knowledge regarding butterfly pea cultivation, maintenance, drying, and processing. Participants also gained practical experience in utilizing locally available resources for household purposes. The program demonstrates that an ABCD-based approach can transform household gardens into productive community assets while strengthening knowledge, environmental awareness, and opportunities for sustainable household resource utilization. Sustainability requires continued community participation, mentoring, and monitoring.