The Impact of Economic Empowerment Programs on Community Welfare in Pinrang Regency

Abstract

Economic empowerment programs serve as a strategic instrument for local governments to address limitations in capital access, skills, and business opportunities to enhance community welfare. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the economic empowerment program and evaluate its impact on the welfare level of beneficiaries in Pinrang Regency. A qualitative descriptive approach was utilized. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, documentation, and literature review. Informants were selected via purposive sampling, comprising 3 key institutional informants (from BAPPERIDA and technical agencies) and 12 supporting community informants. Data were analyzed interactively through data collection, data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that the implementation of the economic empowerment program coordinated by BAPPERIDA is integrated through entrepreneurial skills training, business equipment/capital assistance, and group mentoring. The program has positively impacted the governance capacity of business operations, increased household income, fulfilled basic needs (food, clothing, shelter), and enhanced community economic independence. However, optimal impact remains constrained by limited capital allocation, lack of sustainable post-training mentoring, and intense local market competition.