Planting Sustainability: The Journey of Independent Smallholders in Honduras

By Solidaridad Honduras

In northern Honduras, smallholders from PAIGUAY, the Association of Independent Agricultural Producers of African Palm of Guaymas, are transforming their production model to make it more sustainable. While the organisation was originally established to supply FFB (Fresh Fruit Bunches) to the industrial sector, it has evolved toward a long-term sustainability approach. The turning point came with the adoption of the RSPO Independent Smallholder Standard, which now guides their transition: 31 members are progressing toward Milestone A, while another 43 are preparing to follow the same path. Today, PAIGUAY includes more than 500 independent smallholders.

Beyond meeting technical requirements, conversations that once seemed distant from agricultural life have begun taking center stage during training sessions. What does fair treatment of workers mean? How can discrimination and harassment be prevented in rural contexts? What role do land rights play in sustainability?

These questions have opened spaces for dialogue that are transforming how producers understand their role. In this context, sustainability is no longer an abstract concept, but a daily practice.

One of the most significant changes has been the growing visibility of women’s roles. Although their contributions have historically remained in the background, women are now recognised as key actors in farm management. From overseeing production processes to adopting environmentally responsible practices, their participation strengthens the efficiency and sustainability of the system.

Technical strengthening has also accompanied this transformation process. The use of digital tools for geospatial data collection has improved traceability and decision-making. Personalised technical assistance and the implementation of management systems aligned with the RSPO Independent Smallholder Standard have significantly raised production standards. In addition, support from the RSPO Smallholder Support Fund (RSSF) has helped strengthen the inclusion of smallholders in sustainable supply chains by providing resources that improve livelihoods, strengthen communities, and support the adoption of more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.

Behind these advances are concrete changes: stronger organisation, improved access to information, more efficient agricultural practices, and increasing integration into sustainable value chains. What was once a production model focused solely on volume is now evolving toward one that prioritises traceability, compliance with NDPE commitments (No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation), and the inclusion of independent smallholders.

From Solidaridad Honduras, this process has been supported as part of a broader effort to promote more inclusive and sustainable models within the palm oil sector. However, the true driving force behind this transformation lies with the producers themselves, who have demonstrated that sustainability is not a distant goal, but a decision built day by day.

PAIGUAY’s journey does not end with certification. Their experience opens the door for replication in other territories and demonstrates that when smallholders gain access to tools, knowledge, and markets, they can become key actors in responsible global supply chains.

At a time when sustainability is increasingly becoming a requirement for competitiveness, stories like this show that the transformation of the palm oil sector begins on the ground, with concrete decisions and with producers committed to building a different future.