Exploring the readiness to implement social sustainability among oil palm independent smallholders

Amirah Farzana Yusof, . and Fazlin Ali, . and Nurul Nadia Ramli, . and Omer Thabet, . Exploring the readiness to implement social sustainability among oil palm independent smallholders. pp. 85-95. ISSN 2462-1757

Malaysian palm oil industry is one of the significant contributors to Malaysian income also serves as primary source of income to more than 250 000 Malaysian independent smallholders. The industry has been critiqued that the oil palm producers have engaged in socially conflicting practices which includes human rights abuses labour discrimination loss of indigenous livelihoods and land conflicts. The critiques had directly affected the global demand and reputation of Malaysian palm oil. Therefore Malaysia promised the world that the country will produce 100 percent sustainable oil including practicing socially sustainable by end of 2020. This means all palm oil producers (plantation organized smallholders and independent smallholders) will fulfill the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification requirements. The private plantations and organized smallholders seem to be on the right track at achieving this pledge. Unfortunately only 31.61 (January 2021) of lands that belong to the independent smallholders are certified which means more than half of the independent smallholders' plantations are still uncertified. This study seeks to explore the readiness among these independent smallholders to practice socially sustainable practices. Qualitative approach were used through an in-depth case study (interview observation document review) in one area in Johor. The readiness analyzed based on related social principle of MSPO and categorized into traffic light approach. The findings indicate the independent smallholders are ready in implementing social-related principles. Particularly able to demonstrate land use right raised complaints practice zero discrimination meeting minimum labour's payment standard and basic amenities for labour. The readiness are influenced by roles of dealers who helps smallholders in their plantation practices as well as the authority body who is in charge in giving trainings towards achieving sustainability practices.

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Abstract

Malaysian palm oil industry is one of the significant contributors to Malaysian income also serves as primary source of income to more than 250 000 Malaysian independent smallholders. The industry has been critiqued that the oil palm producers have engaged in socially conflicting practices which includes human rights abuses labour discrimination loss of indigenous livelihoods and land conflicts. The critiques had directly affected the global demand and reputation of Malaysian palm oil. Therefore Malaysia promised the world that the country will produce 100 percent sustainable oil including practicing socially sustainable by end of 2020. This means all palm oil producers (plantation organized smallholders and independent smallholders) will fulfill the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification requirements. The private plantations and organized smallholders seem to be on the right track at achieving this pledge. Unfortunately only 31.61 (January 2021) of lands that belong to the independent smallholders are certified which means more than half of the independent smallholders' plantations are still uncertified. This study seeks to explore the readiness among these independent smallholders to practice socially sustainable practices. Qualitative approach were used through an in-depth case study (interview observation document review) in one area in Johor. The readiness analyzed based on related social principle of MSPO and categorized into traffic light approach. The findings indicate the independent smallholders are ready in implementing social-related principles. Particularly able to demonstrate land use right raised complaints practice zero discrimination meeting minimum labour's payment standard and basic amenities for labour. The readiness are influenced by roles of dealers who helps smallholders in their plantation practices as well as the authority body who is in charge in giving trainings towards achieving sustainability practices.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	Oil palm
AGROVOC Term:	Smallholders
AGROVOC Term:	Sustainable agriculture
AGROVOC Term:	Data collection
AGROVOC Term:	Data analysis
AGROVOC Term:	Sustainability
Depositing User:	Mr. AFANDI ABDUL MALEK
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 00:55
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/10586

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