Lessons Learned on the Learning Process of Enhancing Entrepreneurial Competence in Herb to Community

Abstract

This research aimed to study lessons learned on the learning process of enhancing entrepreneurial competence in herb to community. Employing a qualitative research approach, data were collected through interviews with 30 herbal entrepreneurs and analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that the herbal entrepreneurs possessed experience in cultivating herbs and selling them in both fresh and processed forms, such as herbal compresses, balms, and mosquito repellent herbal products. They also had established herbal networks within the community and access to local herbal wisdom. Meanwhile, they encountered challenges including insufficient working capital, outdated machinery for herb processing, a lack of knowledge in online marketing, low product recognition, a lack of product standard certification, and the absence of a database for herbs and local herbal experts. For the development of the learning process to enhance the capabilities of herbal entrepreneurs, the study suggests providing knowledge and technology transfer processes for herb cultivation management, improving the quality and standards of herb processing, supporting the acquisition of product standard certifications for processed herbal products, developing distinctive branding and packaging, establishing marketing linkages with government agencies, the private sector, and other herbal entrepreneurs, creating distribution channels to reach consumers, providing expert mentors to offer advice on herb processing and business management for enterprise groups, and designing and establishing a database of herbs and local herbal experts within the community.