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Evaluating the Influence of Ecosystem Conditions on Oil Palm Smallholder Productivity in Bakong and Marudi, Sarawak

Author

Listed:
  • Muhammad Yusuf Idris

    (Centre for Research in Development, Social and Environment, Faculty Social Science and Humanities, National University of Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor)

  • Zurinah Tahir

    (Centre for Research in Development, Social and Environment, Faculty Social Science and Humanities, National University of Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor)

  • Suraiya Ishak

    (Centre for Research in Development, Social and Environment, Faculty Social Science and Humanities, National University of Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor)

  • Fatin Umaira Muhamad Azian

    (Centre for Research in Development, Social and Environment, Faculty Social Science and Humanities, National University of Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor)

  • Siti Radiation Adawiyah Zakaria

    (Centre for Research in Development, Social and Environment, Faculty Social Science and Humanities, National University of Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor)

Abstract

This study examines how six key components of a conducive ecosystem influence the productivity of oil palm smallholders in Bakong and Marudi, Sarawak. The components analysed comprise safety, family labour, effective leadership, technology, environmental conditions, and collaborative networks. Although agricultural productivity has been widely studied, empirical evidence that systematically investigates the combined effects of these interconnected ecosystem elements on smallholder performance remains limited, particularly within the Malaysian palm oil sector. To address this research gap, the study provides a context-specific assessment of ecosystem-based productivity drivers in one of Sarawak’s major oil palm–producing regions. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was adopted, involving 345 randomly selected smallholders drawn from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Miri Branch database. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire and analysed through descriptive statistics and multiple regression techniques. The results indicate that all six ecosystem components exert a positive effect on smallholder productivity, with safety emerging as the most influential factor (30.55%). However, only safety, family labour, and effective leadership were found to be statistically significant predictors. These findings align with economic production theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, underscoring the role of both material resources and motivational factors in enhancing agricultural output. By integrating tangible and intangible ecosystem elements within a single analytical framework, this study offers novel insights and recommends that smallholder development initiatives adopt an ecosystem-based strategy that prioritises farm security, community empowerment, and appropriate technology utilisation. The outcomes hold important implications for policy development and the promotion of sustainable practices in the palm oil industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Yusuf Idris & Zurinah Tahir & Suraiya Ishak & Fatin Umaira Muhamad Azian & Siti Radiation Adawiyah Zakaria, 2026. "Evaluating the Influence of Ecosystem Conditions on Oil Palm Smallholder Productivity in Bakong and Marudi, Sarawak," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 10(1), pages 1480-1493, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:10:y:2026:i:1:p:1480-1493
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. World Bank, 2020. "The World Bank Annual Report 2020 [Rapport annuel 2020 du Banque Mondiale]," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 34406, April.
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