The Cassava Alchemist of Sadar Karya: Forging Climate Resilience Through Grassroots Innovation

Widia Apri Ani •

In the serene landscape of Sadar Karya Village, South Sumatra, climate change has transitioned from an abstract concept into a palpable reality. It manifests through increasingly erratic seasonal patterns and economic volatility that have historically stifled the potential of rural communities. However, amid these systemic challenges, a narrative of profound transformation has emerged. Ibu Widia Apri Ani, a 44-year-old visionary, has demonstrated that climate adaptation and economic empowerment are not merely compatible—they are synergistic. A Convergence of Tradition and Modern Strategy Before her involvement with the PROKLIM Project—a collaborative initiative implemented by UNOPS–KLH–SUCOFINDO—Ibu Widia operated her business using traditional methods inherited through generations. While her "Fathiha" cassava crisps were renowned for their superior quality, the enterprise was initially hampered by a lack of structured business planning and restricted market access. The turning point occurred when climate action intersected with market accessibility. Through the PROKLIM interventions, Ibu Widia was empowered to view her business as part of a sophisticated value chain. The project provided essential capacity building, introducing structured business models, financial record-keeping, and the utilization of relevant technologies tailored to the village’s potential. The Architecture of Grassroots Empowerment The evolution of Fathiha from a domestic kitchen endeavor to a digital contender on platforms like Shopee serves as a definitive blueprint for MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise) scaling. What began as the production of modest 1,000-rupiah sachets has surged into a robust operation processing 16 kilograms of raw cassava daily. However, the most significant impact of this MSME lies in its social architecture. By positioning women as the primary catalysts for economic change, Ibu Widia has integrated two fellow local housewives into her production line. This shift provides these women with vital economic agency, fortifying the financial foundations of their respective families. A Vision for Enduring Resilience "My ambition is to relentlessly refine our quality while broadening our horizons," Ibu Widia reflects, emphasizing that her success is a shared victory for her community. Her journey illustrates that when rural entrepreneurs are equipped with the right tools—such as digital marketing and simple technological innovations—they can mitigate the economic risks associated with climate change. As of January 2026, Sadar Karya stands as a testament to the fact that change begins with incremental, deliberate steps: collective learning, the adoption of sustainable practices, and the courage to identify opportunities within adversity. For Ibu Widia, this is more than a project; it is the first step toward a stable, independent, and sustainable future for her village

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