Field Leaders: Women Smallholders Who Step Up

From the oil palm farms of Sierra Leone and Indonesia to the landscapes of Peru and Colombia, we spoke with female smallholders who have stepped up as leaders in their communities – navigating challenges, breaking barriers, and lifting others as they rise, cultivating more sustainable and resilient futures. 

Sierra Leone

Rebecca Yata Samar, Ngoyai Gbaayegie Group, Jojoima community

“In Africa, people say that women are just for the kitchen. So when people come and visit my farm, especially the women, they usually say, ‘Oh! Madame Rebecca has done much! Let me try it for myself.’

Many women have followed in my footsteps. Some came to me asking how I got my farm and how I managed it, and I shared my story with them. I explained that education helped me a lot.  Back in school we were taught agriculture, so what I’m doing now is simply the practical side of what I learned. My elder sister, for example, lives in Kenema and has a farm even bigger than mine. In my own community, women have also started farming. What I know is that here in my community, these women – Water Jusu, Adama Karimu, Baidu Momoh, and Jattu Amara – are working hard and doing well.

My challenges are still there. The biggest is financial; it’s difficult to pay the workers who help on the farm. We also lack proper tools; the shoes used to climb palm trees are not safe, and the cutlasses and other equipment are not in good condition. The palm trees have also grown very tall, making them hard to harvest. We would like to replace the old trees with new varieties, but replanting requires support.

My farm has improved greatly since 2023*. There is much more yield now, thanks to regular cleaning and maintenance. Things are much better than before.”

(*Editor’s note: Two years after obtaining RSPO Certification in 2021.)

Indonesia

Kristanti Yuniati, Chairperson, KUD Tri Daya cooperative

“I have been leading this cooperative for over 10 years. Our goal is to develop our members so that their wellbeing improves in every aspect of their lives. Despite the many challenges we face, we are determined to transform how our farmers manage the oil palm land — not just for today, but so it remains sustainable for our grandchildren.

I cannot do this alone. I work closely with all our organisers, and together we reach out to our five farmer groups, including our women members. We try to raise their awareness, strengthen their confidence, and help them understand that we all have equal and important roles, while never forgetting our responsibilities at home as mothers and wives.

As women, we have to be smart about managing our time. Before we step out to work, we make sure everything at home is in order. I am busy, yes, but I am driven by a genuine passion for this role. Being a woman has never stopped me. If anything, it makes me more determined.”

Peru

Rosario González Daza, Association of Producers of Monte Alegre Neshuya (APROMAN)

“Working in this sector as a woman palm farmer, teamwork is very important to me. My husband and I both work in this field, and I feel very fulfilled because through the RSPO process, with the training and everything else they have taught us, we are now prepared to manage our work and are fully capable of sustaining and strengthening our family’s economy.

One of the biggest challenges I face is climate change, which is very significant. At the same time, through the good practices we implement as part of the RSPO process, we have experienced several positive changes. We have applied what we learned in our plantations, adopting good practices that help us achieve better productivity in our production.

For me, women in this sector play a very important and inspiring role. Women represent more than 30% of the workforce in palm cultivation. Women’s contributions are essential to the success and sustainability of the sector. As women, we bring dedication, responsibility, and a strong sense of care for both our families and the land we work on.

“We are involved in many important tasks in the plantations, while also managing our homes and supporting our families. Our ability to balance these responsibilities shows the strength and commitment that women bring to this work.”

I feel very grateful for the opportunities to learn and grow, and I thank God because to promote and sustain sustainable palm oil, it is necessary for all of us – men and women – to work hand in hand. This is a very important and large sector that brings many benefits and opportunities for families, for our communities, and for society as a whole.”

Colombia

Sandra Cárdenas, Associative Promoter of Producers of Southern Bolívar, (PROMOAGROSUR)

“I want to congratulate all women smallholders, like me, who carry out this beautiful work in the fields with love and dedication. This precious labour has become our main source of livelihood, allowing us to support our families and contribute to our communities.

As women, our work in the palm industry reflects the effort, commitment, and passion that we bring to agriculture every day. To all women, Happy International Women’s Day!”