Oil Palm Smallholders – The Backbone of the Industry

• Smallholders play a vital role in the global palm oil supply chain, sustaining millions of livelihoods in Indonesia and Malaysia.
• They own 41% of planted areas in Indonesia and 27% in Malaysia, but most farms are only 2–3 hectares, leaving them at a disadvantage compared to large plantations.
• Oil palm is more than a crop—it is a legacy, livelihood, and symbol of resilience, often supporting entire families and communities.
• Women play a critical role, both as farm managers and in daily operations, though their contributions remain underrepresented.
• Smallholders face financial and technical barriers, including limited access to modern farming methods, mechanisation, and quality inputs.
• Replanting aging oil palms is a major challenge, as smallholders cannot afford the income gap during the non-productive years.
• Certification schemes like ISPO (Indonesia) and MSPO (Malaysia) promote sustainable practices, but adoption remains constrained by resources.
• As palm oil demand grows, smallholders need fairness, support, and empowerment to improve productivity, sustainability, and quality of life.

👉 Behind every bottle of cooking oil or bar of soap lies the story of smallholders—ordinary people working tirelessly to secure food, education, and a better future for their families.

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