Community engagement improved waste management in tofu production, indicating potential for economic sustainability.
Lampung Tengah Regency, particularly Way Seputih District, has significant potential for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in tofu processing, which is growing rapidly. However, the rapid increase in tofu production has led to serious issues such as waste residue and leftover water that have not been managed optimally, posing a potential risk of environmental contamination. This community service activity aims to enhance the community's capacity to process tofu waste into economically valuable and environmentally friendly products through appropriate technology approaches, involving 5 groups of participants. The implementation method employs a participatory approach, actively engaging the community in socialization, training, mentoring, and evaluation. The results of the activity show that 84% of participants understood the training material and were able to process waste into animal feed and organic fertilizer. Economic impacts are beginning to be seen from the sales of processed products and their use for personal needs. In addition to addressing environmental issues, this activity also opens new business opportunities and strengthens the principle of zero waste based on local potential. The success of this program demonstrates that simple, participatory interventions tailored to local conditions can promote community self-reliance and economic sustainability. Future recommendations include encouraging tofu business owners to leverage technology by entering the digital marketing space to expand their market share.
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Sodiirn et al. (2025) studied this question.