Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of palm oil, and its smallholder oil palm plantations involve more than 2.3 million farmers. The rapid expansion of the oil palm area, and resulting negative environmental and social impacts, has increased the demand for sustainability certification for palm oil products. This study investigates whether different types of smallholders face different barriers in complying with certification standards. The study uses survey data from 829 smallholders in Riau, Sumatra. First, an assessment is made of the gap between current management practices and practices required by Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil standards for different types of smallholders. Second, the article explores explanations for the gap between current and required practices. Finally, an investigation is made of the different starting points of different types of smallholders. Results indicate that the diversity between smallholders affects their prospects for certification. To date, this diversity in smallholders has not been taken into account in the application of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil standards. This can help to explain the limited success of smallholder certifications in Indonesia.

中文翻译：

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解释印度尼西亚廖内省不同类型油棕小农的“认证差距”

印度尼西亚是世界上最大的棕榈油生产国，其小农油棕种植园涉及超过 230 万农民。油棕面积的快速扩张以及由此产生的负面环境和社会影响，增加了对棕榈油产品可持续性认证的需求。本研究调查了不同类型的小农在遵守认证标准方面是否面临不同的障碍。该研究使用了苏门答腊廖内 829 名小农的调查数据。首先，评估当前管理实践与可持续棕榈油圆桌会议针对不同类型小农的标准要求的实践之间的差距。其次，本文探讨了当前实践与所需实践之间差距的解释。最后，对不同类型小农的不同起点进行了调查。结果表明，小农之间的差异会影响他们获得认证的前景。迄今为止，在可持续棕榈油圆桌会议标准的应用中尚未考虑到小农的这种多样性。这有助于解释印度尼西亚小农认证的成功有限。