Yayasan SHEEP Indonesia (YSI), through its Food Program, facilitated a Capacity Building Training on Setting Up Production Houses for six Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in the Siberut area. The two-day training focused on strengthening CBOs’ capacity in business planning, feasibility analysis, and production house management to ensure more effective and sustainable operations.

On the first day, participants learned about business planning and analysis. They calculated capital requirements, production costs, and profit projections based on their business types, such as crab farming and banana processing. One participant shared that the training helped them understand how to assess business feasibility in line with their village’s potential and conditions.

The second day focused on production house management. Participants reviewed organizational structure, role distribution, and the application of hygiene and safety standards in food processing. The discussion became lively as participants compared management systems among CBOs and exchanged experiences in running small enterprises in their villages. Besides theory, they also conducted simulations on managing banana- and taro-based production houses to deepen practical understanding.

According to Ojuk Alcide Saleilei, a representative from CBO Sipaalei, the training was highly beneficial, especially during the sales process simulation. Previously, only one person handled fresh crab sales. Through the simulation, they realized that all members could play strategic roles in achieving the production house’s and organization’s goals. The detailed simulation clearly illustrated each role’s responsibilities. Ojuk added that the training expanded their knowledge and would be applied once their business became operational.

The training not only strengthened technical aspects but also created a space for exchanging experiences and ideas among CBOs. During group discussions, participants shared good practices and challenges in managing their village enterprises. For example, CBO Sipaalei shared strategies for maintaining raw material quality during the rainy season, while the CBO from Katurei explained how they keep crabs fresh for consumers. These exchanges sparked collaboration ideas, such as sharing packaging materials and coordinating product distribution between villages. Participants felt more confident to improve their business management systems, and YSI committed to follow up through ongoing mentoring in each village.