Enhancing Environmental Awareness and School Entrepreneurship through Smart Farming and Solar Energy Based Waste Processing

Abstract

The Community Partnership Program (PKM), entitled Increasing Environmental Awareness and School Entrepreneurship through Smart Farming and Solar-Based Waste Processing, aimed to enhance environmental awareness and strengthen school entrepreneurship in Pangkajene Kepulauan Regency, Indonesia. The program engaged teachers and students through three integrated innovations: (1) a solar-powered aquaponics smart farming system, (2) an educational waste-processing unit (eco-station), and (3) a mini solar power plant (PLTS). These innovations created a contextual and sustainable learning ecosystem while addressing limited knowledge of waste management, renewable energy, and entrepreneurship. The program resulted in a moderate improvement in teachers’ understanding (N-Gain >= 0.5), the establishment of a school waste-processing unit, and the implementation of contextual science lesson plans by more than 70% of teachers. In addition, the school produces 5–6 kg of vegetables and catfish weekly, approximately 105 kg of compost within six months, and at least two value-added products. More than 30 students actively participated in production and distribution activities, fostering entrepreneurial and environmental competencies. Overall, the program strengthened school capacity and contributed to SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action)