Hendrix Noviyanto Firmansyah, Dony Hidayat Al-Janan, Haryadi Haryadi, Febrian Arif Budiman

Diversifying the Livelihoods of Small-Scale Fishermen Through Welding Skills Improvement in Kragan District, Rembang

Introduction

Diversifying the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen through welding skills improvement in kragan district, rembang. Diversify livelihoods for fishermen in Kragan, Rembang. Welding skills training (SMAW) boosts income, enables economic growth, and supports SDGs.

Abstract

Karangharjo Village, Kragan Subdistrict, Rembang Regency, is a coastal village where the majority of the population works as traditional fishermen using boats <5 GT. Fish catch productivity is greatly influenced by the seasons, especially during the west wind period when catches drop dramatically to <10 kg/day. The low level of education, with 48.22% of the population only completing primary school, further limits skills and income levels. This situation leads to poverty and livelihood uncertainty. The objective of this community service programme is to develop alternative livelihoods through welding training using Shield Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) techniques as a strategy for diversifying fishermen's livelihoods. The implementation methods include planning, theoretical training, basic welding practice, application of workplace safety standards, and evaluation of participants' skills. The results of the programme show an increase in welding knowledge and skills among the 20 trainees, with some of them having the potential to develop their own welding businesses. This programme contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), and supports the strengthening of the local economy through the empowerment of fishermen.

Review

This manuscript presents a highly relevant and timely intervention addressing the pressing issue of livelihood insecurity among small-scale fishermen in coastal communities. The authors clearly articulate a significant problem in Karangharjo Village, where seasonal dependency on fish catches, coupled with low educational attainment, perpetuates poverty and limits economic opportunities. The proposed solution—diversifying livelihoods through practical welding skills training using the Shield Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) technique—is a commendable and direct response to this challenge. The initiative's focus on empowering vulnerable populations through tangible skill development positions it as a valuable contribution to community development efforts. The abstract effectively outlines the implementation methodology, from planning and theoretical training to practical application and safety standards, suggesting a well-structured program design. The reported outcomes, particularly the increase in welding knowledge and skills among the 20 trainees and the identified potential for some participants to establish their own welding businesses, indicate initial success. Furthermore, the explicit linkage to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals) underscores the broader impact and strategic alignment of this community service programme. While the abstract provides a positive overview, a full paper would ideally elaborate on the specific metrics used to assess skill improvement and the mechanisms planned to support the actual establishment and sustainability of these nascent welding businesses. Overall, this program offers a practical and replicable model for enhancing economic resilience in coastal communities facing similar socio-economic and environmental pressures. The proactive approach to skill diversification represents a critical step towards breaking cycles of poverty and fostering local economic growth through empowerment. The findings, even in abstract form, strongly suggest that such targeted interventions can yield significant positive change for vulnerable populations. This work is highly commendable for its direct impact and contribution to the fields of community development and sustainable livelihoods.

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