The Benteng Senggang Coffee Farmers Group in Kindang District, Bulukumba Regency, now has new hope for improving the quality of their harvest. Through the Community Partnership Empowerment (PKM) program, Bosowa University Makassar introduced Solar Dryer Dome technology as a climate adaptation solution for farmers on the slopes of Mount Lompobattang.
Until now, local farmers have faced serious constraints in the post-harvest process due to reliance on direct sunlight. High rainfall in the region often compromised coffee bean quality, triggered mold, and significantly slowed down the drying process. Limitations in communal production tool management have also been a major obstacle for the farmers' group in meeting broader market quality standards.
The handed-over Solar Dryer Dome technology features a dome-shaped structure with a galvanized iron frame covered by ultraviolet-resistant plastic. This 24-square-meter facility can accommodate 200–300 kilograms of wet coffee per cycle. With this innovation, the drying process—which previously took up to five months—is now projected to take only two to three months, while offering protection from direct rainfall.
In addition to infrastructure support, the community service team led by Tismi Dipalaya also provided institutional management assistance and training in modern coffee processing techniques. Collaborating with experts from Kopiapi Coffee Roaster, farmers were trained in washed, honey, and natural processing methods to boost the market value of their coffee in a more competitive market.
This approach, referred to as 'reflective climate education,' focuses not only on technical aspects but also builds farmers' awareness of the impacts of changing weather patterns. Aiming for an increased processing capacity of 3–5 tons per farmer, this program funded by Kemdiktisaintek is expected to be a concrete step toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the local agricultural sector.
