Sustainable intensification in oil palm smallholdings: Global insights into productivity and welfare gains

Abstract

This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by offering a comprehensive global synthesis of Sustainable Intensification (SI) practices in the oil palm sector, focusing on their effects on smallholder productivity and welfare. Unlike prior studies that often emphasize localized or fragmented findings, this research integrates bibliometric mapping and thematic analysis to examine SI applications across diverse national contexts. The primary purpose is to assess how SI influences agricultural yields and smallholder income while identifying key contributors, institutional trends, and barriers to adoption. Utilizing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) grounded in the PRISMA framework, the study systematically reviewed thirty-three Scopus-indexed articles published between 2018 and 2024. The findings show that practices such as precision agriculture, organic fertilization, agroforestry, and sustainability certification lead to notable gains in productivity, ranging from 10 to 25 percent, and increases in income between 7 and 20 percent. These improvements are most prominent in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Colombia. However, broader adoption is still hindered by high upfront investment costs, limited access to advanced technology, and inadequate smallholder training. The bibliometric analysis also reveals that Southeast Asian institutions dominate the current research landscape, whereas Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America are underrepresented. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the importance of policy support, farmer education, and technological facilitation in advancing SI adoption. It provides critical insights for enhancing the sustainability of the global palm oil sector with implications for climate resilience, rural development, and equitable agricultural transformation.