Smallholder Trainer Academy Caps First Master Training Course in Malaysia

By: Syamimi Binti Shahri and Nur Nazifah Ahmad Rosland

In June 2024, the RSPO Smallholder Trainer Academy (STA) organised a 6-day Training of Master Trainers in Batu Pahat, Johor. This programme, the first of its kind in Malaysia, aimed to build a global pool of Academy Master Trainers from various sectors and organisations, fostering a community committed to promoting sustainable oil palm practices.

This special event marked the first physical Master Trainer Programme under the RSPO Smallholder Trainers Academy for Malaysia. Two STA Senior Master Trainers, Harris Silalahi (De Guru Consulting) and Siswanto (Asosiasi Fasilitator), both from Indonesia, led the sessions. 

The training brought together 11 participants from Pertubuhan Tani Niaga Lestari Negeri Johor (PERTANIAGA), the Center for Sustainable Small-Owners (CSS), the Asia School of Business (ASB), and Wild Asia Sdn. Bhd., all united by the shared goal of enhancing smallholder practices. Over six intensive days, the participants delved into three essential guides developed by the Academy, as well as had integrated classroom lessons with hands-on site visits led by the CSS-ASB team, focusing on agronomic and environmental management. 

Participants explored various sites, including the Sudiana Enterprise collection centre, where they observed its operations including Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) quality grading. The group also had the opportunity to visit the 55 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) managed by the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) at Pantai Punggur, Rengit, focusing on the South-west Johor coast. This visit allowed participants to view the High Conservation Value (HCV) area near smallholder plots and  how the smallholder supports the initiative for bird conservation.

They also visited smallholder palm oil plots in Parit Jambi Darat, Batu Pahat, Johor, examining the differences in managing plantations on mineral and peat soils. The session with smallholders was supported by the CSS-ASB team, led by Nursaiyidah Md Yusof. The engagement with smallholders played a crucial role in the programme’s success, wherein participants had the opportunity to apply the classroom learning directly to the smallholders. This allowed the trainers to apply what they had learned, using adult learning principles to educate the smallholders effectively.

Additionally, BSI Group provided essential support on the topic of RSPO ISH Certification Process and Audit, presented by Wan Muqtadir, Titi Susanti and Mohamad Amirul Saifullah, offering the participants insight into certification and audit from the perspective of an auditor.

This training marks a milestone in the RSPO Smallholder Trainers Academy’s mission. These newly trained Master Trainers are now equipped to help smallholders adopt better agricultural practices, improve farm management, create strong groups, and embrace more environmentally and socially sustainable practices. The ultimate goal of the Academy is to improve smallholders’ livelihoods and make a positive impact on their communities and the environment.

Muhammad Mukhris Haslam Bin Rahim Omar of Wild Asia emphasised the transformative impact of the training programme, noting that it has significantly enhanced his skills in engaging and educating smallholders. Mukhris highlighted the importance of building trust to effectively impart valuable knowledge, as smallholders may not be immediately receptive to new information. 

Training of Master Trainers bring together experienced trainers from across different sectors and countries on the use of, and training method of three  Academy Guides

This training is a significant step forward in promoting sustainable oil palm practices, towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for smallholders around the world.