MPOB and Earthworm Foundation Renew Strategic Partnership to Advance Smallholder Resilience and Sustainability

The partnership extension reaffirms the shared commitment of MPOB and Earthworm Foundation to strengthen sustainable practices among oil palm smallholder farmerss, enhance community livelihoods through improved productivity and environmental stewardship. 

Since its inception in 2021, the MPOB–Earthworm collaboration has delivered tangible benefits for smallholder communities across Malaysia. Nearly 4,000 smallholders have received continuous training and on-farm guidance which helped them improve productivity while adopting sustainable practices. The continuous effort has been reflected which more than 1,000 smallholders registered for the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification.  

About 100 of them successfully diversified their sources of income through initiatives such as bird’s nest farming, melon, mushroom and chili cultivation, which not only supplement household earnings but also build income resilience against market fluctuations. The programme has also supported smallholders in accessing financial assistance, securing market opportunities, and maintaining standard health and safety practices in their plantations, including the proper use of personal protective equipment and chemical storage. 

Rosdi bin Mahadi, Chairman of Koperasi Orang Asli Sg. Mok, during his welcoming remarks, mentioned that, “We, the indigenous community here, feel seen, heard, and supported through this programme. In the past, we were unsure of the best way to manage our oil palm estates. Now thanks to MPOB and Earthworm Foundation, we have gained knowledge to manage our plantations better, increase productivity, and even explore new income sources such as mushroom and chili cultivation. It also has brought our community closer together through the setting up of the Sg. Mok Orang Asli cooperative, giving us confidence that smallholders like us can build a sustainable future for our families.” 

Beyond the plantations, the partnership has fostered community stewardship of the environment, together with government agencies, experts, and the private sector. Stronger connections have also been built within the palm oil supply chain, linking smallholders more closely with mills and buyers, while new communication platforms such as dedicated WhatsApp groups have enabled timely knowledge-sharing and support among stakeholders. 

Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez Hj Ghulam Kadir, Director General of MPOB in his opening speech stated, “This renewed partnership reflects MPOB’s commitment to ensure that smallholders are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and innovations needed to thrive in an evolving market while upholding sustainability.” 

While Ooi Kiah-Hui, Malaysia Country Representative of Earthworm Foundation expressed her gratitude for the continued collaboration that will further help the smallholders to enable them intoto have sustainable livelihood, “Earthworm Foundation is honoured to continue this journey with MPOB and the smallholder community in Sg. Mok and alongside the many smallholders included in this MOA. Today is not only about a celebration of the partnership, but also the dedication of smallholders who are determined to improve their livelihoods while safeguarding the environment.” 

The MOA exchange was held in conjunction with the Oil Palm Agronomy Centre (OPAC) Oil Palm Clinic initiative, where smallholders participated in soil analysis, crop management sessions, and training to improve Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) quality, guided by MPOB’s Agronomy and Geospatial Technology Unit (AGT) and TUNAS extension officers. A guided site visit also showcased integrated farming models and sustainable practices led by the Sg. Mok Orang Asli cooperative. 

The MPOB–Earthworm partnership, first established in 2021, has already supported thousands of smallholders in building stronger, more sustainable livelihoods. With the new phase from 2025 to 2028, both organisations aim to deepen their impact by strengthening oil palm smallholder resilience, improving productivity, diversifying livelihoods, and fostering long-term sustainability.