Strategi Edukasi Herbal Dalam Menumbuhkan Minat Budidaya Tanaman Obat Keluarga (TOGA) Pada Warga Desa Sembung Kecamatan Wringinanom

Abstract

The lack of public knowledge in Sembung Village, Wringinanom District, regarding family medicinal plants (TOGA) is one of the main factors contributing to the limited use of herbal plants as an alternative approach to independent health care. Many residents are unfamiliar with the types of herbal plants that can be grown around their homes, their therapeutic benefits, and safe and effective processing methods. Therefore, this study was conducted to provide structured herbal education aimed at improving the community’s knowledge, skills, and awareness of the importance of TOGA in supporting family health. This research employed the Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, which emphasizes the active involvement of all community elements, including village officials, health cadres, and residents as education participants. Data were collected through observations, interviews, documentation, and direct participation in training activities. The PAR approach was chosen because it allows the community not only to receive information but also to act as key agents in the learning process and behavioral change. The results of the study show that the implemented educational strategies including direct socialization, visual-based counseling, plant cultivation practice, demonstration plots, simple herbal processing training, and regular follow-up mentoring significantly improved residents’ understanding and motivation. The community became more capable of identifying various types of TOGA, understanding their therapeutic benefits, and practicing proper planting techniques. Additionally, there was a noticeable increase in residents' interest in cultivating herbal plants in their home gardens as part of a healthy lifestyle and an effort to achieve family health independence.