CONDUCIVE ECOSYSTEM COMPONENTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SMALLHOLDER OIL PALM PLANTATIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v23.5432Palavras-chave:
Conducive Ecosystem, Management, Palm Oil Industry, Rural Economy, SmallholderResumo
The palm oil industry remains one of the most important sectors contributing to Malaysia’s economic growth, particularly in the state of Sarawak, where oil palm cultivation plays a crucial role in rural development and smallholder livelihoods. However, since 2019, the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted economic activities, including the palm oil sector. This study was conducted to identify the key conducive ecosystem components influencing the productivity of smallholder oil palm plantations in Bakong and Marudi, Sarawak, Malaysia. This research employed a quantitative research approach using a structured survey questionnaire. A total of 345 respondents consisting of smallholder oil palm farmers from Bakong and Marudi were selected using a probability sampling method through simple random sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used to evaluate the influence of ecosystem components on smallholder productivity. The findings indicate that the “Safety” component recorded the highest mean score (M = 4.64), demonstrating that safety practices are highly prioritized among smallholders to reduce occupational hazards during plantation operations. The findings of this study provide important insights for policymakers, agricultural agencies, and development stakeholders to strengthen support mechanisms and design effective intervention programs aimed at improving the productivity and sustainability of smallholder oil palm plantations.
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