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Empowering Women^s Groups in Innovating Avocado Products to Increase the Welfare of The Watuaji Residents 1245 Universitas Islam Nahdlatul Ulama Jepara, Central Java, Indonesia Abstract Avocado is one of the leading potentials in Watuaji. Avocados have so far only been sold to middlemen, there has been no product innovation from processed avocado ingredients that have a higher selling value. On other hand, the average women^s group in Watuaji only relies on income from farming and husband^s business. Thus, the opportunity for women^s groups to be empowered to make preparations from avocados is a potential asset that can be managed through empowerment programs. This study aims to determine the results and describe the effectiveness of communi-ty empowerment programs in women^s groups in Watuaji. This program focuses on increasing innovation in avocado processed products. This community empower-ment method uses training methods with tutorials, mentoring women^s groups in using avocado seed drying techniques, making powder, jam, and avocado jam-filled cakes, and evaluation. Data collection in this study used questionnaires, interviews with mothers of Watuaji residents, and observation of the training and mentoring stages. Data analysis through descriptive analysis techniques to describe the findings of this study. The results are 80% of women^s groups in Watuaji can practice the process of drying avocado seeds, making powder, jam, and avocado jam-filled cakes. Innovative processed products from avocado ingredients produced by the Watuaji women^s group are avocado seed powder, jam, and avocado-flavored cakes. The evaluation results showed that 90% of participants considered this program very important and useful. Empowerment and mentoring of village women is an effective strategy to improve aspects of economic value and welfare of Watuaji residents Keywords: Empowering, Women^s Groups, Innovation, Avocado, Watuaji Village Topic: Economics |
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