Optimizing the benefits of palm fruit skin to help increase income and reduce poverty in the Palang area, Tuban district

Abstract

Siwalan (Borassus flabellifer) is one of the important local resources in Palang District, Tuban Regency, yet its fruit peel remains largely underutilized and is generally discarded as waste. This study aims to explore and optimize the potential utilization of siwalan fruit peel as a value-added local resource that can create additional income opportunities and support poverty reduction in the community. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and documentation. Informants were selected using purposive sampling, involving local residents and siwalan traders with knowledge and involvement in siwalan-related activities. The findings indicate that siwalan fruit peel has considerable potential to be developed into economically valuable and environmentally friendly products, including craft materials, textile-related products, briquettes, fertilizer, and other processed products. However, its utilization remains limited due to insufficient knowledge and skills, as well as constraints related to technology, capital, mentoring, and market access. Using the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, siwalan fruit peel can be positioned as a local asset rather than merely waste. Therefore, training, continuous mentoring, appropriate technology, collaboration with academics and business actors, and stronger marketing strategies are needed to transform this local resource into value-added products, create new business opportunities, and contribute to increased community income and welfare in Palang, Tuban Regency.