Unismuh Forestry Lecturers and Students Hold Non-Timber Forest Products Discussion with Kading Hamlet Community

Barru – As part of a series of fieldwork activities, forestry lecturers and students from Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar carried out a community service activity through a discussion themed on Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). The event took place in Kading Hamlet, Pacekke Village, Barru Regency, with the active participation of the local community.

Knowledge Exchange on NTFPs

This NTFP discussion served as a platform for knowledge exchange between academics and the community regarding the potential and utilisation of economically valuable non-timber forest resources. During the activity, the team of lecturers and students presented various types of NTFPs that could be developed, such as forest products including honey, rattan, and medicinal plants, as well as sustainable management strategies.

Local Experiences and Collaboration Opportunities

The Kading Hamlet community also shared their local experiences in utilising forest products in their surroundings. This interaction enriched the insights of both parties, while also opening up opportunities for collaboration in developing NTFP-based enterprises that could improve community welfare without compromising forest sustainability.

Implementation of the University's Tridharma

This activity was not only a form of implementing the university's tridharma, particularly community service, but also strengthened the role of students as agents of change capable of bridging scientific knowledge with real needs in the field.

Through this discussion, it is hoped that a shared awareness will be built regarding the importance of sustainable NTFP management, while also encouraging the utilisation of local potential as an alternative economic source for the Pacekke Village community.