Organic Waste Composting and Its Effects on Crop Productivity: An Applied Study with the Bhuana Asri Women Farmers’ Group

The suboptimal management of organic waste at the household and farmer group levels remains a problem that contributes to environmental pollution and the underutilization of waste as an economically valuable resource. This Community Service Program aims to enhance the Bhuana Asri Women Farmers’ Group's knowledge and skills in processing organic waste into compost to support increased agricultural productivity. The activities used a participatory approach through the following stages: observing and identifying partner needs; outreach; hands-on composting training; guidance during the composting process; and evaluation using pre- and post-tests and observation of participants’ skills. The results showed that participants’ average knowledge score increased from 54.8 to 89.2, and 88% could practice composting independently. A total of 100 kg of organic waste was successfully processed into 80 kg of mature compost, characterised by a dark brown colour, a crumbly texture, no odour, and a temperature close to ambient temperature. This program also increased the utilization rate of organic waste from 35% to 90% and encouraged the establishment of compost management units at the community group level. The community service activities proved effective in enhancing the community’s capacity for organic waste management, reducing waste generation, providing organic fertilizer for crop cultivation, and supporting the implementation of sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural systems. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionSDG 13: Climate ActionSDG 15: Life on Land