Palm Oil Farmers: Different Paths, Same Goal

Did you know that small farmers are the backbone of the palm oil industry? They produce more than 40% of the world's palm oil, which is both beloved and criticized. There's been a lot of talk about how palm oil affects the environment and communities, so programs have been created to help small farmers grow their crops sustainably. We chatted with farmers in Indonesia and Malaysia, who work with different support programs. Some work with a big palm oil company, while others team up with an environmental group. We asked about their lives, thoughts, and how they manage their plantations.Turns out, farmers who work closely with the company in Indonesia use less weed killer, more fertilizer, and earn more money. But farmers in Malaysia who work with the environmental group use more weed killer, less fertilizer, and make less money. This shows that there's no one-size-fits-all way to farm palm oil. It's like a big experiment that can help us find the best, eco-friendly ways to grow palm oil. Understanding these differences can help programs better support farmers.