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Enhancing farmers’ land productivity through sustainable palm oil certification: Strategies for promoting environmental and economic benefits in agricultural practices
This article explores the development of a certification concept aimed at enhancing land productivity for smallholder palm oil farmers in Indonesia through the integration of two key certification standards: ISPO (Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil) and RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil).
The nature and management of sustainable palm oil supply chain
The study focused on the nature and management of sustainable palm oil supply chains. Using a combination approach of interviews, field observations and literature studies, it examines the complexities and challenges involved in achieving palm oil supply chain traceability, as well as the consequences of these efforts.
A novel citizen science-based wildlife monitoring and management tool for oil palm plantations
This article presents a novel citizen science -based wildlife monitoring program called PENDAKI , implemented across six oil palm estates and one sago concession operated by the Indonesian palm oil company Austindo Nusantara Jaya. Data were collected from seven locations: Sumatra (ANJA and ANJAS), Belitung (SMM), Kalimantan (KAL) and Southwest Papua (PMP, PPM and ANJAP). The key objectives of the program are to improve biodiversity monitoring and management in agricultural landscapes, particularly those dominated by oil palm plantations. The study highlights the urgent need for effective monitoring systems to collect large-scale quantitative data on species abundance in these fragmented ecosystems.
How to re-build confidence in the audit system of certification schemes
This report summarises why social audits fail to uphold certification standards and offers possible solutions to re-build confidence in the audit system. It provides examples to demonstrate the systemic malpractice and lack of redress present in a wide range of certification schemes and highlight the current flaws in the social audit process.
Smallholder RSPO certification, economic benefits and agrochemical use
This article examines the effects of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification on smallholder farmers in Jambi Province, Indonesia, focusing on economic benefits, differences in agrochemical use, and broader implications of certification. The study uses primary household and farm-level panel data collected from Jambi Province, Indonesia between 2017 and 2018. The sample size is 650 households, of which 348 were RSPO-certified and 302 non-certified scheme smallholders. The interviewed farmers were from 14 certified and 10 non-certified cooperatives.
What are the major barriers and challenges faced by independent oil palm smallholder farmers in RSPO Certification?
This paper by the Universitas Tunas Pembangunan Surakarta focuses on identifying the main barriers and challenges for independent oil palm smallholders in the RSPO certification journey and identifying strategies that could help smallholders overcome these obstacles and improve their success in the RSPO certification process.
Early mover advantage in Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Certification: Evidence from ASEAN countries study
A recent study explores whether early adoption of RSPO certification offers a competitive financial edge to palm oil companies in ASEAN. The research analysed data from 27 publicly listed companies across the region, examining profitability through Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) over a decade (2003 to 2013, excluding 2008). The study employed multiple linear regression analysis to uncover insights into the impact of early RSPO certification on financial performance.
Cost reduction for upscaling voluntary sustainability standards: the case of independent oil palm smallholders in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
The article explores strategies to reduce costs for scaling up RSPO certification for independent oil palm smallholders in Central Kalimantan, using an action research approach of certifying 3,507 independent oil palm smallholders of six farmers groups in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Oil palm development in Thailand: Trends and progress of sustainability efforts in palm oil production and procurement
In 2023, the RSPO commissioned a study in Thailand to examine the multifaceted dimensions of Thailand’s palm oil sector. This study evaluated the environmental, economic and social impacts of the industry and provided insights for the RSPO regarding the impacts of RSPO Certification, particularly within Thailand’s smallholder-dominated landscape.
Tangible financial benefits of palm oil plantations with and without Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil Certification in Thailand
A recent study published in the TEM Journal sheds light on the tangible financial benefits of RSPO certification for palm oil plantations in Thailand. The research focuses on collecting data on RSPO certified and non-certified growers from Krabi and Surat Thani during the period of December 2016 to November 2017. The selected growers were from 3 groups: those with large planting areas, cooperative members, and smallholders supported by palm oil mills. Study results reveal that RSPO-certified groups recorded higher net returns than their non-certified counterparts.
