How Palm Oil and Citrus Farming Help Small Farmers with Food Security

What is it about?

The study explores the sustainability of the palm oil and citrus industries in supporting food security for small farmers, particularly in Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan. It reveals that while palm oil is profitable for large landowners due to its long production cycle (up to 25 years) and resistance to pests, citrus cultivation is preferred by small farmers with limited land (0.3–0.5 ha) due to its quicker return on investment, easier market access, and stable pricing. The study highlights that 85% of farmers find citrus more profitable, though the industry faces challenges such as pest infestations, particularly huanglongbing, which threatens production. The research underscores the need for sustainable agricultural practices, improved market access, and policy support to ensure long-term food security and economic resilience for small-scale farmers​

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Photo by Eulalia Ramírez Moreda on Unsplash

Photo by Eulalia Ramírez Moreda on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is important, particularly regarding food security, because it examines how small-scale farmers in Indonesia navigate economic and environmental challenges in palm oil and citrus cultivation. Small farmers are the backbone of local food production, yet they often face land limitations, price volatility, and climate-related risks. The study highlights that citrus farming, despite its susceptibility to diseases like huanglongbing, provides a more stable and accessible income for farmers with limited land, allowing for continuous food production and direct market access. Meanwhile, palm oil offers long-term profitability but is more suitable for large-scale landowners, making it less accessible to smallholders. Food security depends on farmers' ability to sustain production, generate income, and maintain access to diverse food sources. The study underscores the importance of balancing cash crop cultivation (palm oil) with food-producing crops (citrus), ensuring that rural farming communities remain economically viable while securing their food supply. By identifying the critical factors affecting farmers' decisions—such as land availability, capital investment, and market conditions—this research provides insights for policymakers to develop targeted interventions that support sustainable farming practices and improve food security resilience in smallholder communities​

Perspectives

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From my personal perspective, this publication is highly relevant as it sheds light on the critical role of small farmers in ensuring food security while balancing economic sustainability. The findings emphasize that citrus farming, despite its challenges, remains a viable option for smallholders due to its quick returns and easier market access, whereas palm oil is more profitable but requires larger land ownership and long-term investment. This contrast highlights the disparities in agricultural opportunities based on land tenure, which is a key issue in rural economic development. What stands out to me is the need for a more integrated approach to support small farmers, combining sustainable farming practices, improved pest management, and policies that enhance financial and technical assistance. The study also raises an important point about resilience—small farmers must be equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to mitigate risks such as price fluctuations and disease outbreaks, ensuring long-term productivity and food security. Furthermore, this research provides a strong basis for policy recommendations. Governments and stakeholders should prioritize diversification strategies that allow farmers to maintain food-producing crops alongside cash crops, ensuring a balance between income generation and local food availability. In my view, future research should focus on the impact of climate change on these agricultural systems and explore innovative solutions, such as agroforestry or intercropping, to maximize land use efficiency and long-term sustainability.

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