Optimalisasi Budidaya dan Hilirisasi Tanaman Obat Keluarga (DISANTARA) untuk Meningkatkan Kesehatan dan Ekonomi Masyarakat Desa Wates secara Berkelanjutan

Abstract

Community health and economy are two interrelated aspects of sustainable regional development. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Optimization of Cultivation and Downstreaming of Family Medicinal Plants (DISANTARA) program in Wates Village, Undaan District, Kudus Regency, in improving community health and economy sustainably. This study employed an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach combined with a qualitative descriptive method based on Participatory Action Research (PAR). Secondary quantitative data related to health and economic indicators were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data from Focus Group Discussions, participatory observation, and in-depth interviews were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model. The results showed that the majority of Wates Village residents work as farmers (52%), and the most common health complaint was respiratory disorders (62%). The DISANTARA program successfully established the SAHARA (Healthy and Natural Herbal Center) institution consisting of four working divisions, revitalized the Sustainable Food Yard into a Seed House as a center for TOGA cultivation, and produced six downstream herbal products, namely SABUYA, SABULAWA, JA Candy, SERUAS Tea, KUNIRA, and KENCARA. The integration of cultivation, education, institutional strengthening, and product downstreaming proved effective in supporting improved health and economic independence of the community. This study implies the need for institutional strengthening, product legality, and market network development to sustain and expand the program's impact.