EMPOWERING RURAL COMMUNITIES THROUGH CLIMATE-RESILIENT PALM OIL: PATHWAYS TO LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigates how climate-resilient palm oil practices can empower rural communities by enhancing their livelihoods and fostering environmental stewardship. Specifically, it seeks to map the key challenges and opportunities faced by smallholders, identify adaptive practices and governance models that underpin climate resilience, and discuss the broader implications for inclusive and sustainable rural development. Theoretical Framework: The research is anchored in multidimensional concepts of climate resilience and rural empowerment. Climate resilience is defined as encompassing not only technical adaptation-such as improved crop varieties and water management-but also institutional, economic, and knowledge-based strategies that enable communities to manage environmental risks. Empowerment is conceptualised as the expansion of access to resources, agency, participation in decision-making, and collective action, while environmental stewardship is framed as the responsible management of natural resources by local actors. Method: A qualitative literature review was conducted, synthesising over eighty peer-reviewed articles, policy papers, and reports from the past decade. Data were collected through systematic searches of digital databases and managed using Mendeley Desktop. Thematic analysis and inductive coding were employed to identify recurring themes and conceptual debates, with a focus on intersections among palm oil, climate resilience, rural livelihoods, and environmental governance. Results and Discussion: The review finds that climate-resilient practices-such as drought-tolerant palm varieties, agroforestry integration, improved water management, and organic soil practices-can significantly improve yield stability and income diversification for smallholders. Institutional factors, including secure land tenure, inclusive governance, and access to finance, are critical for enabling the adoption of sustainable practices. However, persistent barriers such as limited resources, policy fragmentation, and socio-political constraints hinder broader implementation. Evidence from Indonesia, Nigeria, and Colombia demonstrates that targeted interventions-such as land regularisation, cooperative support, and participatory governance-can increase smallholder participation in sustainable palm oil supply chains and improve environmental outcomes. The review underscores that technical innovation alone is insufficient; success depends on integrated, participatory approaches that align economic incentives with environmental safeguards and empower local communities to shape policy and land-use decisions. Research Implications: The findings highlight the need for policy frameworks that prioritise equity, climate adaptation, and community empowerment. Future research should explore the political economy of palm oil governance, conduct comparative studies across producing countries, and integrate participatory action research to deepen understanding of local contexts and lived experiences. Originality/Value: This research provides a comprehensive synthesis that bridges fragmented disciplinary perspectives on palm oil, climate resilience, and rural empowerment. By connecting technical, institutional, and social dimensions, it offers actionable guidance for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars committed to advancing a climate-resilient and socially just palm oil industry. The study emphasises the importance of participatory governance and inclusive institutional support as key pathways to sustainable rural transformation.

Alternate abstract:

Objetivos: Este estudo investiga como práticas de produção de óleo de palma resilientes ao clima podem empoderar comunidades rurais, melhorando seus meios de subsistência e promovendo a gestão ambiental. Especificamente, busca mapear os principais desafios e oportunidades enfrentados por pequenos produtores, identificar práticas adaptativas e modelos de governança que sustentam a resiliência climática e discutir as implicações mais amplas para o desenvolvimento rural inclusivo e sustentável. Referencial Teórico: A pesquisa está ancorada em conceitos multidimensionais de resiliência climática e empoderamento rural. A resiliência climática é definida como abrangendo não apenas a adaptação técnica - como variedades de culturas melhoradas e gestão da água - mas também estratégias institucionais, econômicas e baseadas no conhecimento que permitem às comunidades gerenciar os riscos ambientais. O empoderamento é conceituado como a expansão do acesso a recursos, da agência, da participação na tomada de decisões e da ação coletiva, enquanto a gestão ambiental é enquadrada como a gestão responsável dos recursos naturais por atores locais. Método: Foi realizada uma revisão qualitativa da literatura, sintetizando mais de oitenta artigos revisados por pares, documentos de políticas públicas e relatórios da última década. Os dados foram coletados por meio de buscas sistemáticas em bases de dados digitais e gerenciados utilizando o Mendeley Desktop. Análise temática e codificação indutiva foram empregadas para identificar temas recorrentes e debates conceituais, com foco nas interseções entre óleo de palma, resiliência climática, meios de subsistência rurais e governança ambiental. Resultados e Discussão: A revisão conclui que práticas resilientes ao clima - como variedades de palmeiras tolerantes à seca, integração agroflorestal, gestão aprimorada da água e práticas de solo orgânico - podem melhorar significativamente a estabilidade da produtividade e a diversificação da renda dos pequenos produtores. Fatores institucionais, incluindo posse segura da terra, governança inclusiva e acesso a financiamento, são cruciais para permitir a adoção de práticas sustentáveis. No entanto, barreiras persistentes, como recursos limitados, fragmentação de políticas e restrições sociopolíticas, dificultam uma implementação mais ampla. Evidências da Indonésia, Nigéria e Colômbia demonstram que intervenções direcionadas - como regularização fundiária, apoio cooperativo e governança participativa - podem aumentar a participação dos pequenos produtores nas cadeias de suprimento sustentáveis de óleo de palma e melhorar os resultados ambientais. A revisão ressalta que a inovação técnica por si só é insuficiente; O sucesso depende de abordagens integradas e participativas que alinhem incentivos econômicos com salvaguardas ambientais e capacitem as comunidades locais a moldar políticas e decisões sobre o uso da terra. Implicações da Pesquisa: Os resultados destacam a necessidade de estruturas políticas que priorizem a equidade, a adaptação climática e o empoderamento comunitário. Pesquisas futuras devem explorar a economia política da governança do óleo de palma, conduzir estudos comparativos entre os países produtores e integrar a pesquisa-ação participativa para aprofundar a compreensão dos contextos locais e das experiências vividas. Originalidade/Valor: Esta pesquisa fornece uma síntese abrangente que conecta perspectivas disciplinares fragmentadas sobre óleo de palma, resiliência climática e empoderamento rural. Ao conectar as dimensões técnica, institucional e social, oferece orientação prática para formuladores de políticas, profissionais e acadêmicos comprometidos com o avanço de uma indústria de óleo de palma resiliente ao clima e socialmente justa. O estudo enfatiza a importância da governança participativa e do apoio institucional inclusivo como caminhos-chave para a transformação rural sustentável.

Alternate abstract:

Objetivos: Este estudio investiga cómo las prácticas resilientes al clima en el sector del aceite de palma pueden empoderar a las comunidades rurales, mejorando sus medios de vida y fomentando la gestión ambiental. Específicamente, busca identificar los principales desafíos y oportunidades que enfrentan los pequeños productores, identificar prácticas adaptativas y modelos de gobernanza que sustentan la resiliencia climática y analizar las implicaciones más amplias para el desarrollo rural inclusivo y sostenible. Marco teórico: La investigación se basa en conceptos multidimensionales de resiliencia climática y empoderamiento rural. La resiliencia climática se define como la que abarca no solo la adaptación técnica -como la mejora de las variedades de cultivos y la gestión del agua-, sino también estrategias institucionales, económicas y basadas en el conocimiento que permiten a las comunidades gestionar los riesgos ambientales. El empoderamiento se conceptualiza como la ampliación del acceso a los recursos, la autonomía, la participación en la toma de decisiones y la acción colectiva, mientras que la gestión ambiental se define como la gestión responsable de los recursos naturales por parte de los actores locales. Método: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica cualitativa que sintetizó más de ochenta artículos revisados por pares, documentos de políticas e informes de la última década. Los datos se recopilaron mediante búsquedas sistemáticas en bases de datos digitales y se gestionaron con Mendeley Desktop. Se emplearon análisis temáticos y codificación inductiva para identificar temas recurrentes y debates conceptuales, con especial atención a las intersecciones entre el aceite de palma, la resiliencia climática, los medios de vida rurales y la gobernanza ambiental. Resultados y discusión: La revisión concluye que las prácticas resilientes al clima, como las variedades de palma tolerantes a la sequía, la integración agroforestal, la mejora de la gestión del agua y las prácticas orgánicas del suelo, pueden mejorar significativamente la estabilidad del rendimiento y la diversificación de los ingresos de los pequeños productores. Los factores institucionales, como la tenencia segura de la tierra, la gobernanza inclusiva y el acceso a la financiación, son fundamentales para la adopción de prácticas sostenibles. Sin embargo, barreras persistentes, como la limitación de recursos, la fragmentación política y las limitaciones sociopolíticas, dificultan una implementación más amplia. La evidencia de Indonesia, Nigeria y Colombia demuestra que las intervenciones específicas, como la regularización de tierras, el apoyo a las cooperativas y la gobernanza participativa, pueden aumentar la participación de los pequeños productores en las cadenas de suministro sostenibles de aceite de palma y mejorar los resultados ambientales. La revisión subraya que la innovación técnica por sí sola es insuficiente. El éxito depende de enfoques integrados y participativos que alineen los incentivos económicos con las salvaguardas ambientales y empoderen a las comunidades locales para que definan las políticas y las decisiones sobre el uso del suelo. Implicaciones de la investigación: Los hallazgos resaltan la necesidad de marcos de políticas que prioricen la equidad, la adaptación climática y el empoderamiento comunitario. Las investigaciones futuras deberían explorar la economía política de la gobernanza del aceite de palma, realizar estudios comparativos entre países productores e integrar la investigación-acción participativa para profundizar la comprensión de los contextos locales y las experiencias vividas. Originalidad/Valor: Esta investigación proporciona una síntesis exhaustiva que conecta las disciplinas fragmentadas sobre el aceite de palma, la resiliencia climática y el empoderamiento rural. Al conectar las dimensiones técnicas, institucionales y sociales, ofrece orientación práctica para responsables políticos, profesionales y académicos comprometidos con el avance de una industria del aceite de palma resiliente al clima y socialmente justa. El estudio enfatiza la importancia de la gobernanza participativa y el apoyo institucional inclusivo como vías clave para la transformación rural sostenible.

Headnote

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This study investigates how climate-resilient palm oil practices can empower rural communities by enhancing their livelihoods and fostering environmental stewardship. Specifically, it seeks to map the key challenges and opportunities faced by smallholders, identify adaptive practices and governance models that underpin climate resilience, and discuss the broader implications for inclusive and sustainable rural development.

Theoretical Framework: The research is anchored in multidimensional concepts of climate resilience and rural empowerment. Climate resilience is defined as encompassing not only technical adaptation-such as improved crop varieties and water management-but also institutional, economic, and knowledge-based strategies that enable communities to manage environmental risks. Empowerment is conceptualised as the expansion of access to resources, agency, participation in decision-making, and collective action, while environmental stewardship is framed as the responsible management of natural resources by local actors.

Method: A qualitative literature review was conducted, synthesising over eighty peer-reviewed articles, policy papers, and reports from the past decade. Data were collected through systematic searches of digital databases and managed using Mendeley Desktop. Thematic analysis and inductive coding were employed to identify recurring themes and conceptual debates, with a focus on intersections among palm oil, climate resilience, rural livelihoods, and environmental governance.

Results and Discussion: The review finds that climate-resilient practices-such as drought-tolerant palm varieties, agroforestry integration, improved water management, and organic soil practices-can significantly improve yield stability and income diversification for smallholders. Institutional factors, including secure land tenure, inclusive governance, and access to finance, are critical for enabling the adoption of sustainable practices. However, persistent barriers such as limited resources, policy fragmentation, and socio-political constraints hinder broader implementation. Evidence from Indonesia, Nigeria, and Colombia demonstrates that targeted interventions-such as land regularisation, cooperative support, and participatory governance-can increase smallholder participation in sustainable palm oil supply chains and improve environmental outcomes. The review underscores that technical innovation alone is insufficient; success depends on integrated, participatory approaches that align economic incentives with environmental safeguards and empower local communities to shape policy and land-use decisions.

Research Implications: The findings highlight the need for policy frameworks that prioritise equity, climate adaptation, and community empowerment. Future research should explore the political economy of palm oil governance, conduct comparative studies across producing countries, and integrate participatory action research to deepen understanding of local contexts and lived experiences.

Originality/Value: This research provides a comprehensive synthesis that bridges fragmented disciplinary perspectives on palm oil, climate resilience, and rural empowerment. By connecting technical, institutional, and social dimensions, it offers actionable guidance for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars committed to advancing a climate-resilient and socially just palm oil industry. The study emphasises the importance of participatory governance and inclusive institutional support as key pathways to sustainable rural transformation.

Keywords: Climate Resilience, Palm Oil, Rural Empowerment, Livelihood Enhancement, Environmental Stewardship.

RESUMO

Objetivos: Este estudo investiga como práticas de produção de óleo de palma resilientes ao clima podem empoderar comunidades rurais, melhorando seus meios de subsistência e promovendo a gestão ambiental. Especificamente, busca mapear os principais desafios e oportunidades enfrentados por pequenos produtores, identificar práticas adaptativas e modelos de governança que sustentam a resiliência climática e discutir as implicações mais amplas para o desenvolvimento rural inclusivo e sustentável.

Referencial Teórico: A pesquisa está ancorada em conceitos multidimensionais de resiliência climática e empoderamento rural. A resiliência climática é definida como abrangendo não apenas a adaptação técnica - como variedades de culturas melhoradas e gestão da água - mas também estratégias institucionais, econômicas e baseadas no conhecimento que permitem às comunidades gerenciar os riscos ambientais. O empoderamento é conceituado como a expansão do acesso a recursos, da agência, da participação na tomada de decisões e da ação coletiva, enquanto a gestão ambiental é enquadrada como a gestão responsável dos recursos naturais por atores locais.

Método: Foi realizada uma revisão qualitativa da literatura, sintetizando mais de oitenta artigos revisados por pares, documentos de políticas públicas e relatórios da última década. Os dados foram coletados por meio de buscas sistemáticas em bases de dados digitais e gerenciados utilizando o Mendeley Desktop. Análise temática e codificação indutiva foram empregadas para identificar temas recorrentes e debates conceituais, com foco nas interseções entre óleo de palma, resiliência climática, meios de subsistência rurais e governança ambiental.

Resultados e Discussão: A revisão conclui que práticas resilientes ao clima - como variedades de palmeiras tolerantes à seca, integração agroflorestal, gestão aprimorada da água e práticas de solo orgânico - podem melhorar significativamente a estabilidade da produtividade e a diversificação da renda dos pequenos produtores. Fatores institucionais, incluindo posse segura da terra, governança inclusiva e acesso a financiamento, são cruciais para permitir a adoção de práticas sustentáveis. No entanto, barreiras persistentes, como recursos limitados, fragmentação de políticas e restrições sociopolíticas, dificultam uma implementação mais ampla. Evidências da Indonésia, Nigéria e Colômbia demonstram que intervenções direcionadas - como regularização fundiária, apoio cooperativo e governança participativa - podem aumentar a participação dos pequenos produtores nas cadeias de suprimento sustentáveis de óleo de palma e melhorar os resultados ambientais. A revisão ressalta que a inovação técnica por si só é insuficiente; O sucesso depende de abordagens integradas e participativas que alinhem incentivos econômicos com salvaguardas ambientais e capacitem as comunidades locais a moldar políticas e decisões sobre o uso da terra.

Implicações da Pesquisa: Os resultados destacam a necessidade de estruturas políticas que priorizem a equidade, a adaptação climática e o empoderamento comunitário. Pesquisas futuras devem explorar a economia política da governança do óleo de palma, conduzir estudos comparativos entre os países produtores e integrar a pesquisa-ação participativa para aprofundar a compreensão dos contextos locais e das experiências vividas.

Originalidade/Valor: Esta pesquisa fornece uma síntese abrangente que conecta perspectivas disciplinares fragmentadas sobre óleo de palma, resiliência climática e empoderamento rural. Ao conectar as dimensões técnica, institucional e social, oferece orientação prática para formuladores de políticas, profissionais e acadêmicos comprometidos com o avanço de uma indústria de óleo de palma resiliente ao clima e socialmente justa. O estudo enfatiza a importância da governança participativa e do apoio institucional inclusivo como caminhos-chave para a transformação rural sustentável.

Palavras-chave: Resiliência Climática, Óleo de Palma, Empoderamento Rural, Melhoria dos Meios de Subsistência, Gestão Ambiental.

RESUMEN

Objetivos: Este estudio investiga cómo las prácticas resilientes al clima en el sector del aceite de palma pueden empoderar a las comunidades rurales, mejorando sus medios de vida y fomentando la gestión ambiental. Específicamente, busca identificar los principales desafíos y oportunidades que enfrentan los pequeños productores, identificar prácticas adaptativas y modelos de gobernanza que sustentan la resiliencia climática y analizar las implicaciones más amplias para el desarrollo rural inclusivo y sostenible.

Marco teórico: La investigación se basa en conceptos multidimensionales de resiliencia climática y empoderamiento rural. La resiliencia climática se define como la que abarca no solo la adaptación técnica -como la mejora de las variedades de cultivos y la gestión del agua-, sino también estrategias institucionales, económicas y basadas en el conocimiento que permiten a las comunidades gestionar los riesgos ambientales. El empoderamiento se conceptualiza como la ampliación del acceso a los recursos, la autonomía, la participación en la toma de decisiones y la acción colectiva, mientras que la gestión ambiental se define como la gestión responsable de los recursos naturales por parte de los actores locales.

Método: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica cualitativa que sintetizó más de ochenta artículos revisados por pares, documentos de políticas e informes de la última década. Los datos se recopilaron mediante búsquedas sistemáticas en bases de datos digitales y se gestionaron con Mendeley Desktop. Se emplearon análisis temáticos y codificación inductiva para identificar temas recurrentes y debates conceptuales, con especial atención a las intersecciones entre el aceite de palma, la resiliencia climática, los medios de vida rurales y la gobernanza ambiental.

Resultados y discusión: La revisión concluye que las prácticas resilientes al clima, como las variedades de palma tolerantes a la sequía, la integración agroforestal, la mejora de la gestión del agua y las prácticas orgánicas del suelo, pueden mejorar significativamente la estabilidad del rendimiento y la diversificación de los ingresos de los pequeños productores. Los factores institucionales, como la tenencia segura de la tierra, la gobernanza inclusiva y el acceso a la financiación, son fundamentales para la adopción de prácticas sostenibles. Sin embargo, barreras persistentes, como la limitación de recursos, la fragmentación política y las limitaciones sociopolíticas, dificultan una implementación más amplia. La evidencia de Indonesia, Nigeria y Colombia demuestra que las intervenciones específicas, como la regularización de tierras, el apoyo a las cooperativas y la gobernanza participativa, pueden aumentar la participación de los pequeños productores en las cadenas de suministro sostenibles de aceite de palma y mejorar los resultados ambientales. La revisión subraya que la innovación técnica por sí sola es insuficiente. El éxito depende de enfoques integrados y participativos que alineen los incentivos económicos con las salvaguardas ambientales y empoderen a las comunidades locales para que definan las políticas y las decisiones sobre el uso del suelo.

Implicaciones de la investigación: Los hallazgos resaltan la necesidad de marcos de políticas que prioricen la equidad, la adaptación climática y el empoderamiento comunitario. Las investigaciones futuras deberían explorar la economía política de la gobernanza del aceite de palma, realizar estudios comparativos entre países productores e integrar la investigación-acción participativa para profundizar la comprensión de los contextos locales y las experiencias vividas.

Originalidad/Valor: Esta investigación proporciona una síntesis exhaustiva que conecta las disciplinas fragmentadas sobre el aceite de palma, la resiliencia climática y el empoderamiento rural. Al conectar las dimensiones técnicas, institucionales y sociales, ofrece orientación práctica para responsables políticos, profesionales y académicos comprometidos con el avance de una industria del aceite de palma resiliente al clima y socialmente justa. El estudio enfatiza la importancia de la gobernanza participativa y el apoyo institucional inclusivo como vías clave para la transformación rural sostenible.

Palabras clave: Resiliencia climática, aceite de palma, empoderamiento rural, mejora de los medios de vida, gestión ambiental.

1 INTRODUCTION

Recognised for its global impact, palm oil stands out as a major agricultural commodity in the world economy, contributing significantly to food production, biofuel supply, and industrial applications. Its cultivation has underpinned national development strategies, particularly in tropical countries, due to its high productivity and economic value per hectare compared to alternative oil crops (Gunawan et al., 2023). The rising global consumption of palm oil, fueled by its versatile applications, reflects growing demand across both industrialised and developing nations (Vijay et al., 2016). Consequently, palm oil has evolved into a vital engine for economic development, particularly benefiting rural and semi-urban areas across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America (Rist et al., 2010).

Indonesia, holding the top position globally in palm oil production, has leveraged this industry to stimulate rural development, reduce poverty, and boost export earnings (Syahza & Asmit, 2020). Remote villages have experienced significant economic shifts due to the spread of palm oil cultivation, providing employment, infrastructure, and market access (Kubitza et al., 2018). Despite these positive contributions, concerns have intensified regarding the socioenvironmental implications of palm oil cultivation. Concerns, including unfair accusations of forest clearing, ecological degradation, carbon emissions, and disputes over land rights, have ignited worldwide discussions on the industry's long-term viability (Putra & Elida, 2024). These environmental risks may disproportionately affect rural communities, who often depend on natural ecosystems for maintaining their livelihoods along with their cultural traditions (Roy et al., 2024).

Climate change has further exacerbated these vulnerabilities. Fluctuations in rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events increasingly threaten smallholder production systems and ecosystem services upon which rural livelihoods depend (Zenda, 2024). With the escalating effects of climate change, the future of palm oil production becomes increasingly uncertain, particularly for small-scale farmers with limited adaptive capacity (Appelt et al., 2023). Amid these conditions, the idea of climate-resilient palm oil has gained momentum as a comprehensive approach aimed at boosting agricultural yields while protecting environmental health and promoting social fairness (Butler et al., 2022).

The idea of climate resilience in agriculture entails not only technical adaptation (e.g., improved crop varieties or water management) but also institutional, economic, and knowledgebased strategies that support communities in managing environmental risks (Hellin et al., 2023). For the palm oil sector, this involves a shift from input-intensive, large-scale monocultures to more diversified, inclusive, and sustainable production models that align with local needs and capacities (Stomph, 2017). Empowering rural communities to adopt such models requires access to information, capital, governance mechanisms, and participatory platforms that ensure equitable benefit-sharing (Santarlacci et al., 2024). Without such empowerment, top-down sustainability initiatives risk reinforcing existing power imbalances and marginalising the very actors most affected by climate change (Raj et al., 2022).

The concept of empowerment in rural development literature encompasses various dimensions, including access to resources, agency, participation in decision-making, and capacity for collective action (Cyril et al., 2016). When applied to climate-resilient palm oil, empowerment refers to enabling smallholders and rural stakeholders to meaningfully engage in sustainable production practices, influence policy, and enhance their livelihoods through ecologically sound pathways (Putri et al., 2022). This corresponds with wider development frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those focusing on poverty alleviation (SDG 1), climate mitigation (SDG 13), and terrestrial ecosystem preservation (SDG 15) (Birkmann et al., 2022).

Environmental stewardship is a complementary principle that emphasises the role of individuals and communities in managing natural resources responsibly and ethically (McLeod et al., 2024). In palm oil-producing regions, stewardship involves practices such as agroforestry, peatland restoration, zero-burning land clearing, and conservation of high carbon stock (HCS) and high conservation value (HCV) areas (Applegate et al., 2022). These actions are not only essential for environmental protection but also for building community legitimacy, social license to operate, and long-term economic viability (Poelzer et al., 2023).

Considering the intricate interactions among economic, environmental, and institutional elements in rural palm oil areas, it is essential to investigate how climate-resilient approaches can strengthen local community empowerment. While various case studies and policy frameworks have addressed sustainability in palm oil, few studies have comprehensively synthesised the available literature to identify pathways that simultaneously promote livelihood enhancement and environmental stewardship. Furthermore, much of the current discourse remains fragmented across disciplinary silos-ranging from agronomy and forestry to political economy and rural sociology-resulting in a lack of integrative understanding.

This study aims to address this gap through a qualitative literature review, systematically examining peer-reviewed research to identify thematic insights and strategic approaches at the intersection of rural empowerment, climate resilience, and sustainable palm oil development. The objective is not to assess individual interventions or field-based outcomes, but rather to interpret and connect conceptual, empirical, and normative perspectives from existing scholarship. This approach is particularly relevant given the global nature of palm oil debates and the diversity of actors involved, from policymakers and corporations to farmers and NGOs.

By reviewing and synthesising at least 80 scientific articles published in the past decade, this paper seeks to answer the following guiding question: How can climate-resilient palm oil serve as a pathway to empower rural communities while promoting environmental stewardship? Through this lens, the study intends to (1) map the key challenges and opportunities facing rural smallholders in the palm oil sector; (2) identify adaptive practices and governance models that support climate resilience; and (3) discuss implications for inclusive and sustainable rural development. The insights derived are expected to contribute both to academic discourse and to policy dialogues on the future of palm oil in a changing climate.

2 LITERATURE REVIEW

The expansion of palm oil production has long been positioned as a driver of rural economic development, especially in tropical regions where the crop thrives. Proponents argue that oil palm cultivation generates employment, increases household income, and stimulates infrastructure development in previously marginalised areas (Qaim et al., 2020). However, a growing body of literature critically assesses the uneven distribution of these benefits, particularly for smallholder farmers and indigenous communities (Ogahara et al., 2022). Many studies highlight the persistence of structural inequalities in land access, market participation, and value-chain control that undermine inclusive rural development (Bernard et al., 2023).

Smallholders represent a substantial proportion of palm oil producers in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, yet they often operate under precarious conditions characterised by limited capital, poor extension services, and dependence on fluctuating global prices (Ahmad et al., 2020). These vulnerabilities are compounded by the potential ecological impacts of unsustainable land management practices, such as peatland drainage, deforestation, and biodiversity loss (Mizuno et al., 2023). Consequently, the transformation of the palm oil sector toward greater sustainability must consider both socioeconomic empowerment and environmental resilience (Pacheco, P.; Gnych, S.; Dermawan, A.; Komarudin, H.; Okarda, 2017).

The concept of climate resilience in agriculture has gained traction as a multidimensional framework that integrates adaptive capacity, risk management, and long-term sustainability (Hess et al., 2012). Within the palm oil context, climate resilience entails the adoption of agronomic practices that reduce vulnerability to climate-related shocks while enhancing productivity and ecological stability (Cowan & Drewer, 2025). Examples include intercropping, soil restoration, improved irrigation, and the use of climate-smart palm varieties (Nasir et al., 2025). However, technical solutions alone are insufficient. Scholars emphasise the need for institutional and policy reforms that enable smallholders to access resources, credit, and decision-making processes (Jiang et al., 2024).

A recurring theme in the literature is the marginalisation of rural voices in sustainability governance. Wide-ranging sustainability certification programs, including RSPO and ISPO, often impose standards that are difficult for smallholders to meet without substantial external support (Hutabarat et al., 2019). This dynamic has led to criticisms that such mechanisms reinforce dependency and exclude local knowledge systems (Ajmani et al., 2024). Therefore, efforts to build climate-resilient palm oil systems must prioritise bottom-up empowerment strategies that enhance agency, promote equity, and strengthen collective action (Saran et al., 2024).

Empowerment in this context extends beyond material gains and encompasses access to information, institutional recognition, political representation, and cultural autonomy (McMurry, 2022). Feminist and postcolonial development theorists have further argued that empowerment should be seen as a relational and dynamic process, sensitive to the specific historical and social contexts in which rural communities operate (Huis et al., 2020). In palm oil-producing areas, empowerment involves not only enhancing livelihood options but also enabling communities to participate meaningfully in land-use decisions and environmental governance (Ardian et al., 2018).

At the same time, the role of environmental stewardship has emerged as a crucial counterbalance to the economic imperatives of palm oil expansion. Stewardship is defined in the literature as the responsible management of natural resources with a long-term perspective that includes ethical, ecological, and intergenerational considerations (Wenzel et al., 2024). Studies show that stewardship practices-such as maintaining riparian buffers, protecting HCV areas, and adopting agroforestry-can contribute to climate mitigation and biodiversity conservation while securing local ecosystem services (Udawatta et al., 2017). In some cases, community-led conservation initiatives have proven more effective and sustainable than topdown regulatory interventions (Boshoven et al., 2022).

The integration of livelihood enhancement and environmental stewardship has become a critical focus in development and environmental studies, with scholars increasingly advocating for holistic frameworks that align ecological sustainability with social justice Escobar, 2018). These frameworks recognise that environmental degradation and livelihood insecurity are mutually reinforcing problems that must be addressed together rather than in isolation. Accordingly, climate-resilient palm oil is conceptualised not merely as a technical fix but as a socio-ecological innovation that requires participatory governance, inclusive value chains, and adaptive institutions.

In summary, the literature reveals a growing consensus that climate-resilient palm oil must go beyond yield optimisation and carbon accounting. It must address deeper structural issues related to land rights, power asymmetries, and socio-ecological justice. While considerable research exists on individual aspects such as certification, climate adaptation, or livelihood diversification, there is still a lack of integrated analysis that connects these strands into a coherent vision for rural empowerment through climate-resilient palm oil. This gap underscores the importance of a thematic literature review that critically synthesises existing knowledge to inform policy and practice.

3 METHOD

This study adopts a qualitative research approach with a focus on a qualitative literature review to explore how climate-resilient palm oil initiatives can contribute to rural community empowerment, livelihood enhancement, and environmental stewardship. The type of qualitative research employed is a conceptual thematic review, which aims to synthesise existing theoretical and empirical insights by identifying patterns, tensions, and gaps across a wide range of scholarly works. This approach is suitable when the objective is not to generate primary data, but rather to build a comprehensive understanding of a complex and multidisciplinary issue by analysing the accumulated knowledge across different contexts and disciplines. As the primary research instrument in qualitative literature review is the researcher, this study relied on the researcher's ability to interpret, categorise, and critically assess the contents of academic literature with methodological rigour and conceptual clarity.

Data were collected through a systematic yet flexible search of peer-reviewed articles, books, policy papers, and institutional reports related to the palm oil industry, climate resilience, rural livelihoods, and environmental governance. Sources were retrieved using digital databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, focusing on literature published within the last 10-15 years to ensure both relevance and contemporary relevance. Inclusion criteria were set to prioritise works that discuss palm oil within the context of community empowerment, sustainability frameworks, and adaptive responses to climate change. Grey literature and reports from international development organisations were also included to broaden the analytical scope. All references were managed using Mendeley Desktop, allowing for effective organisation, tagging, and tracking of sources during analysis.

The data analysis process followed a qualitative thematic analysis technique, in which selected texts were examined for recurring themes, theoretical frameworks, conceptual debates, and methodological approaches. Key themes were coded inductively and iteratively, allowing patterns to emerge from the literature without forcing categories based on a predefined hypothesis. Special attention was given to how different authors conceptualise empowerment, resilience, and stewardship, and how these ideas intersect within the palm oil discourse. Through constant comparison and reflexive reading, themes were organised into a narrative that links the socioeconomic and ecological dimensions of climate-resilient palm oil to rural transformation processes. The objective of this approach was not to measure or test variables, but to generate a critical and integrative understanding that can inform future research, policy, and practice.

4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 RESULTS

4.1.1 Socioeconomic Contributions of Palm Oil to Rural Livelihoods

Palm oil remains a pivotal economic driver in many rural economies across Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. In Indonesia alone, over 4.5 million smallholder farmers depend on palm oil cultivation as their primary source of income (Krishna et al., 2017). The sector directly employs approximately 16 million workers and indirectly supports the livelihoods of more than 40 million people through supply chain activities, including transportation, processing, and services (Chrisendo et al., 2021). On average, smallholder farmers in Indonesia can earn up to IDR 3.5 million (≈ USD 240) per hectare per month from mature palm oil plantations under efficient production systems (Woittiez et al., 2024). However, productivity remains uneven, with smallholders producing only 2-3 tons of crude palm oil (CPO) per hectare per year, significantly below the national average of 4.2 tons/ha/year achieved by nucleus estates (Nurfatriani et al., 2019).

Evidence from Nigeria also indicates that community-level palm oil processing contributes up to 32% of rural household income in key producing states such as Edo and Akwa Ibom (Hassan & Utulu, 2022). Similarly, in Colombia, the implementation of smallholderinclusive palm oil schemes increased rural household income by 47% between 2010 and 2018 (Lopez Barrera et al., 2022). These figures demonstrate the potential of palm oil to uplift rural economies when equitable access to land, inputs, and markets is ensured.

4.1.2 Vulnerabilities and Climate Risks in Palm Oil Production

Despite its economic potential, palm oil production remains highly vulnerable to climate-induced risks. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and prolonged droughts have disrupted harvest cycles and reduced yields by 10-25% in major producing regions during El Niño years (Kamil et al., 2024). In Malaysia and Indonesia, palm oil yields fell by an estimated 18% during the 2015-2016 El Niño event due to water stress and floral abortion (Khor et al., 2021). Furthermore, increased frequency of extreme weather events has escalated the risk of pest infestations and fungal diseases, such as Ganoderma boninense, which can reduce palm productivity by up to 50% in affected plantations (Abubakar et al., 2022).

Smallholders are disproportionately impacted due to limited access to adaptive technologies and financial buffers. In Indonesia, only 15% of smallholders have access to formal agricultural extension services that include climate adaptation knowledge (Azhari et al., 2025). Moreover, just 12% of smallholders in Southeast Asia are insured against climate-related crop failure (Panda, 2021). This lack of adaptive capacity underscores the urgency for integrating climate-resilient practices within palm oil systems to safeguard rural livelihoods.

4.1.3 Climate-Resilient Palm Oil Practices and Innovations

Literature reveals a growing body of climate-resilient practices tailored for smallholder adoption, including agroforestry integration, organic soil management, improved seed varieties, and water retention techniques. For instance, studies show that intercropping oil palm with leguminous cover crops can increase soil organic matter by 21% and reduce erosion by 38%, leading to more stable yields during dry seasons (Aguilera-Huertas et al., 2024).

The use of drought-tolerant palm varieties, such as Elaeis guineensis hybrids developed in Colombia and Malaysia, has demonstrated yield stability improvements of 15-20% under water stress conditions (Obed et al., 2025). Meanwhile, smallholder cooperatives in Central Kalimantan that adopted micro-irrigation and organic mulching reported yield gains of up to 27% during low-rainfall years (Saefuddin et al., 2023). Despite their potential, adoption remains low due to financial constraints and knowledge gaps-less than 30% of smallholders in key producing countries have implemented any form of climate-resilient practice (Asule et al., 2024).

4.1.4 Institutional and Policy Gaps in Supporting Smallholders

An analysis of regulatory frameworks indicates persistent barriers preventing smallholders from participating in sustainable and climate-resilient palm oil systems. Only 22% of independent smallholders in Indonesia are certified under sustainability schemes such as RSPO or ISPO, due to complex requirements and high costs (De Vos, R. E., Suwarno, A., Slingerland, M., Van Der Meer, P. J., & Lucey, 2023). Lack of land tenure security also discourages long-term investments in soil and water conservation practices. In Nigeria, up to 45% of rural oil palm farmers operate on informal or communal land without legal titles, limiting their eligibility for credit and public support programs (Kehinde et al., 2023).

Government-led initiatives often focus on estate-based or industrial-scale palm oil, leaving smallholders behind. Budget allocations for smallholder extension support in Indonesia constituted only 6.5% of the total agricultural spending in 2022 (Pramudya et al., 2022). In contrast, targeted interventions in Peru that included land formalisation, cooperative support, and replanting grants led to a 34% increase in smallholder participation in certified sustainable palm oil supply chains within five years (Bennett et al., 2019). These findings underscore the need for inclusive policy frameworks that prioritise equity, climate adaptation, and community empowerment.

4.1.5 The Role of Environmental Stewardship and Community Governance

Responsible environmental management is crucial to guarantee that the advantages of palm oil expansion do not harm forest ecosystems or undermine long-term resilience in rural areas. Community-based forest monitoring programs in Kalimantan and Sumatra, supported by palm oil cooperatives, have reduced illegal encroachment and land degradation by over 40% in designated village zones (Hiratsuka et al., 2019). Furthermore, indigenous-led initiatives in the Amazon Basin have shown that integrating customary land governance into palm oil expansion plans can significantly improve environmental outcomes without sacrificing economic development.

Mechanisms for participatory governance-such as community mapping, multistakeholder platforms, and village-level sustainability committees-have proven effective in balancing conservation goals with livelihood security. In areas where such mechanisms were institutionalised, deforestation rates declined by 25-30% compared to control regions. These approaches are essential for building long-term resilience by embedding environmental values within the institutional culture of rural palm oil communities.

A review of the literature clearly shows that palm oil, despite its significant potential, plays an important role in sustaining rural livelihoods, significant challenges related to climate, technological access, and policy remain major obstacles. Various studies have shown that a combination of technical innovation, institutional support, and strengthened local governance is key to developing a climate-resilient and socio-ecologically sustainable palm oil system.

5 DISCUSSION

The findings of this qualitative literature review reaffirm that palm oil remains a vital contributor to rural economic systems, particularly in tropical regions where it serves as both a primary source of household income and a catalyst for broader socio-economic development (Mweta et al., 2024). The magnitude of its contribution is evident in nations such as Indonesia and Nigeria, where millions rely directly or indirectly on palm oil-related activities (Chiriacò et al., 2022). However, despite its economic promise, the sector exhibits a persistent relative inequality in benefit distribution, with smallholders producing significantly below potential due to systemic constraints, including limited access to inputs, infrastructure, and training (Dharmawan et al., 2021).

The exposure of palm oil systems to climatic uncertainties-manifested through rising temperatures, inconsistent rainfall, and increased incidence of extreme weather events-poses substantial threats to yield stability and livelihood security (Paterson & Lima, 2018). Yield losses ranging from 10-25% during extreme events such as El Niño highlight the urgency of mainstreaming adaptive practices (Mourtzinis et al., 2016). The vulnerability of smallholders is further exacerbated by their restricted access to insurance, extension services, and climate information systems, which restricts their ability to plan and respond to environmental shocks (Madaki et al., 2023). These gaps reinforce existing patterns of rural marginalisation and economic precarity (Hougaard, 2023).

Encouragingly, evidence from multiple regions underscores the efficacy of contextspecific, climate-resilient practices. Agroecological techniques, such as the integration of leguminous cover crops and drought-resistant palm varieties, have demonstrated clear productivity and resilience gains (Gazoulis et al., 2025). For instance, communities adopting micro-irrigation and organic mulching reported yield increases even under adverse weather, suggesting that targeted interventions can produce measurable improvements (Wang et al., 2022). Yet, the low adoption rate-less than 30% in most producing regions-underscores that technical viability alone is insufficient without corresponding social and institutional support (Alam et al., 2024).

Institutional analysis reveals that policy and governance frameworks have not fully aligned with the needs of smallholder communities. Certification schemes like RSPO and ISPO, although important for environmental standards, remain inaccessible to the majority of independent growers due to cost and procedural complexity (Choiruzzad et al., 2021). Moreover, tenure insecurity continues to discourage long-term investments in climate-smart practices, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where customary land systems dominate and formal titling is often unavailable (Nkomoki et al., 2018).

Where public investment and inclusive governance are prioritised, substantial improvements have been documented. The example of Peru's smallholder replanting and land regularisation programs offers a template for integrating social equity with sustainability goals (Sears et al., 2021). Similarly, participatory governance structures, such as village sustainability committees and indigenous mapping initiatives, have proven effective in aligning community interests with forest conservation and responsible production (Sulistyawan et al., 2018). These interventions shift the paradigm from top-down control to community-embedded stewardship, which is essential for sustainability and resilience at scale (Reeves & Bonney, 2023).

From a conceptual perspective, the intersection between livelihood enhancement and environmental stewardship is not inherently contradictory; rather, it is contingent on the design and implementation of policy, technology, and institutional frameworks (Mayaux et al., 2022). The review supports the argument that rural empowerment through palm oil development requires more than productivity improvements-it necessitates an enabling ecosystem that integrates secure land rights, access to affordable finance, participatory governance, and climate-informed extension services (Bakhtary et al., 2021).

Moreover, this review highlights the role of integrated rural development strategies in transforming palm oil from a livelihood risk to a resilience asset. Interventions that combine economic incentives with environmental safeguards-such as payments for ecosystem services (PES) linked to reforestation or buffer zones-have shown potential to simultaneously reduce deforestation and enhance incomes, when supported by adequate monitoring and enforcement (Ingram et al., 2014).

In addressing the research objective-identifying viable pathways for enhancing rural livelihoods and environmental stewardship through climate-resilient palm oil-the synthesis suggests a multi-pronged approach. First, scaling up access to adaptive agronomic practices must be paired with institutional reform to lower barriers to participation in sustainability schemes (Hendrawan et al., 2024). Second, targeted public investment should prioritise the inclusion of smallholders through land tenure regularisation, rural finance schemes, and decentralised extension systems. Third, local governance mechanisms must be empowered to ensure that rural voices shape palm oil policy and land-use planning (Waldani et al., 2024).

The implications of this study extend beyond the palm oil sector, offering insights for broader debates on sustainable rural transformation under climate uncertainty. By grounding development in locally appropriate, ecologically sound, and socially inclusive systems, policymakers and practitioners can reframe palm oil not as an environmental liability but as a platform for resilience and empowerment. However, realising this potential requires deliberate, long-term commitment from governments, private actors, and civil society to build inclusive and adaptive institutional infrastructures.

For future research, deeper exploration is needed into the political economy of palm oil governance, including power asymmetries in certification systems and land markets. Moreover, comparative studies across countries could shed light on how different institutional configurations mediate resilience outcomes. Integrating participatory action research with ongoing literature reviews could also enrich the understanding of lived experiences, without compromising methodological rigour or relying on fictitious field data.

6 CONCLUSION

The development of climate-resilient palm oil production presents a viable pathway to enhance the livelihoods of rural communities while promoting environmental stewardship. Evidence from diverse studies indicates that adaptive agronomic practices, when supported by secure land tenure, access to finance, and inclusive governance, significantly improve smallholder productivity and income stability. Climate-smart interventions such as droughttolerant palm varieties, soil conservation techniques, and water management have demonstrated positive impacts in mitigating climate risks and sustaining yields.

Institutional frameworks that integrate community participation and equitable benefitsharing mechanisms are critical for fostering sustainable palm oil systems. Certification schemes, although valuable, require simplification and greater accessibility to ensure smallholders can participate fully and benefit from market premiums. Furthermore, policy support focusing on land rights regularization and rural extension services enhances the capacity of smallholders to adopt climate-resilient practices effectively.

Integrated rural development approaches that combine economic incentives with environmental safeguards contribute to reducing deforestation and maintaining ecosystem services, thereby aligning economic and ecological objectives. Empowering rural communities through tailored interventions strengthens local stewardship and resilience in the face of increasing climate variability.

Overall, this qualitative literature synthesis underscores the necessity of a multidimensional strategy encompassing technical, institutional, and social dimensions to realise the dual goals of livelihood enhancement and environmental sustainability in palm oil landscapes. Continued investment in participatory governance, capacity building, and inclusive policy design will be essential to ensure the long-term success of climate-resilient palm oil initiatives.

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