Strengthening the Coffee Value Chain through Farmer Group Empowerment and the Initiation of a Penta-Helix-Based Producer Cooperative in East Manglayang, Sumedang

Abstract

The Berdikari Coffee Farmers Group in Genteng Village, Sukasari District, Sumedang Regency, has significant potential for developing East Manglayang Coffee but continues to face challenges related to institutional capacity, low value added, limited post-harvest processing, financial and digital literacy, as well as market access and partnerships. This Community Service Program (PKM) aimed to empower the farmers' group through the initiation of the Manglayang Timur Coffee Producer Cooperative (SIKOMAT), strengthening the coffee value chain, digital marketing and branding, and developing Pentahelix-based collaboration. The program was conducted from March 20 to June 26, 2026, involving 15 members of the farmers' group in Karangsari Hamlet, Genteng Village. The implementation method employed a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach through observation, interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), training, workshops, mentoring, and monitoring and evaluation. The results indicated increased knowledge and capacity among members in cooperative institutional development, business management, financial literacy, coffee quality and post-harvest processing, and digital marketing. The program produced draft Articles of Association and Bylaws (AD/ART), an organizational structure, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), administrative documents for cooperative establishment, and a preliminary business plan. Value chain strengthening focused on harvest collection, quality control, post-harvest processing, green bean and roasted bean development, branding, and collective marketing. Digitalization through social media, WhatsApp Business, Google Business Profile, and marketplaces strengthened product identity and expanded market access. Pentahelix collaboration broadened support in knowledge, technology, financing, innovation, promotion, and market access. The program established a foundation for a more organized, competitive, and sustainable farmer-based economic institution.