Solidaridad West Africa, an international nongovernmental organization, has urged for a complete reform of worldwide palm oil purchasing systems to guarantee more equitable profit sharing for small-scale farmers. These farmers generate most of West Africa’s palm oil yet retain only a minimal portion of its advantages.
The “Palm Oil Barometer 2025,” labeled as “Procurement for Prosperity,” was unveiled on Wednesday by Solidaridad West Africa in collaboration with various national and international partners. The report, which sheds light on significant disparities within the palm oil supply chain, was presented to journalists in Uyo on the same day.
Consequently, the report encourages governments, industry stakeholders, and certification bodies to embrace a more inclusive approach that puts the well-being of smallholders at the forefront.
The report indicated that in countries like Nigeria and Ghana, smallholders are responsible for up to 80% of oil palm production but remain trapped in poverty due to limited access to markets, outdated tools, and insufficient infrastructure.
According to the report, Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone similarly grapple with challenges where smallholder farmers produce more than 70% of their countries’ total output but contend with poor productivity levels and inadequate market connections.
“Muthalir Ramasamy Chandran, chairman of IRGA.AG and an adviser to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, emphasized that governments and industries must work together with sustainability certification platforms to embrace a fresh business approach. This strategy should facilitate better access to resources and market opportunities for individual small-scale farmers,” he stated.
The global nonprofit organization asserted that even as the palm oil industry progressively calls for sustainable cultivation methods, farmers frequently do not have the means to adopt these practices. The study cautions that climate-associated issues and fluctuating prices are exacerbating the dangers encountered by small-scale producers.
The report warns that continued underinvestment in smallholders could jeopardize food security, escalate environmental degradation, and destabilize the regional palm oil industry. Adding that insecure land tenure and a lack of technical support are also preventing farmers from adopting long-term sustainability practices.
In an effort to tackle the issues confronting farmers, Solidaridad West Africa has introduced “Procurement for Prosperity,” a novel strategy based on four key tenets: comprehensive policy frameworks, just price structures, balanced collaborations, and specialized programs designed to bolster small-scale farming capabilities and improve their financial accessibility.
Merely asking for sustainable production isn’t enough,” stated Marieke Leegwater, Senior Policy Advisor at Solidaridad Europe. “Companies must pledge to support an inclusive supply chain and promote sustainable practices by ensuring they pay fair prices that allow for a livable income.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
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