Fulfilling the needs of protein-balanced diet through the introduction of Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) cultivation in Bojong Koneng village, Sentul, Bogor

A healthy community should be able to support its people by providing them with balanced diets. Communities in developed and underdeveloped regions are unable to fulfil this, mainly because of two reasons. First, people are not well-informed about the importance of nutrition. Second, they usually do not have the budget to buy high-nutrition foods. This study reports a community engagement case in Bojong Koneng, an edutourism village with economic capabilities of villagers ranging from low to middle tier. With that range, people are more than hesitant to buy protein-rich eatables. Cultivation technique of Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), an edible mushroom rich in protein content, is integrated into lifestyle of villagers through inclusive participation approach. Evident increase in knowledge of villagers of healthy diets after the integration process was noted. Moreover, villagers in Bojong Koneng successfully imitate the process of Oyster mushroom cultivation on their own. Plentiful harvest of Oyster mushroom was then consumed by their own on a daily basis. Therefore, incorporating the practice of Oyster mushroom cultivation in Bojong Koneng village, Sentul, Bogor, fulfil the needs of protein-balanced diet in the community.