Livelihood
The economic development programme aims to improve the well-being of coastal residents. Making the most effective and sustainable use of fisheries and marine resources is a key focus of Yakopi’s efforts, which also include improving the quality of human resources, strengthening socio-economic institutions and developing economic activities.
Until now, the lives of fishermen, especially traditional fishermen, have been lived in precarious conditions. The literature review showed that poverty in fishing communities is complex, mainly caused by structural and cultural poverty, so overcoming and reducing it must also be complex. Culturally, it takes unlimited time because changing culture, mindset and human attitudes is not an easy thing to do. Structural poverty requires serious and continuous intervention by various parties, especially the government and related parties, academia and NGOs.
Normally, coastal communities should be prosperous communities, given the great potential of coastal and marine natural resources. However, the reality shows that most coastal communities, especially fishermen, are still part of the underdeveloped community. Issues of socio-economic vulnerability, such as poverty, social inequality, limited access to education and health, weak social institutions, and difficulties in accessing business capital, technology and markets, are multidimensional (complex) problems and interrelated.
Yakopi is currently conducting food processing training in a number of villages in the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra and Riau. Some of the products produced by our supported communities are processed mangrove dodol and syrup, jeruju chips, mackerel crackers, nipah sugar and coconut oil (VCO) products.
As part of the development of this programme, Yakopi is providing further training in food and beverage processing, product packaging and product marketing. Some of the barriers and challenges to the community’s continued economic development are in the area of product marketing, which is still very limited. This is where we expect the role of the government to continue the activities we have been doing.
Yakopi’s goal as an institution working with communities is to create a lasting positive impact at a community and environmental level through sustainable economic programmes, with Yakopi’s main motto for each programme being Sustainable Forest Prosperous Communities.
This outcome covers Yakopi's efforts to help local communities increase their income through livelihood programmes. For example, through skills training, access to markets or assistance with business capital. Success can be measured by the increase in income and economic well-being of the community. at the coast
Yakopi promotes community self-reliance by empowering communities to manage natural resources sustainably. This can take the form of training in sustainable agricultural practices, sustainable forest management or environmentally friendly small business development. Self-reliance is reflected in the community's ability to maintain and improve its standard of living, either alone or in cooperation with others. at the coast
The success of Yakopi's green business programme can also be measured in terms of its positive impact on the environment. This includes sustainable practices aimed at reducing carbon emissions and conserving natural resources. Through the use of sustainable methods of agriculture, forestry or other economic activities.
Yakopi always conducts outreach and consultation with the community on economic development for the coastal communities themselves, and always provides information on the importance of building better social capital so that community empowerment efforts are more optimal in improving people’s well-being.