Capacity Building for the Elderly through IoT-Integrated Catfish Farming Innovation

Bina Keluarga Lansia (BKL) groups in Purwokerto and surrounding areas have strong potential to develop productive activities through freshwater aquaculture. However, existing catfish farming practices remain largely traditional and lack measurable water quality management, resulting in suboptimal yields and limited income generation. This community service program aimed to strengthen the capacity of productive elderly groups by applying a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT). The system combines a culture pond with a separate upflow drum filter consisting of sedimentation, mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration zones. IoT integration employs pH and turbidity sensors to monitor water quality, control water circulation, and detect sediment accumulation for timely sludge removal. The program was implemented through socialization, technical training, system assembly and installation, operational assistance, and evaluation. The results showed improved knowledge and skills among elderly participants in modern catfish farming, more stable pond water quality, improved fish survival, and the potential for more consistent, market-oriented production. The program provides a sustainable, technology-based empowerment model for productive elderly groups that is practical, replicable, and applicable to similar urban community development initiatives.