A Systematic Literature Review of Factors Affecting the Yield of Fresh Fruit Bunch and Oil Extraction Rate among Smallholders in Malaysia

Despite the widely acknowledged significance of smallholders within the agricultural sector in Malaysia, a notable gap persists in the ratio of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) to Oil Extraction Rate (OER) between major estate businesses and smallholders' production. This study presents an analysis of the factors which influence the yield of FFB and OER among smallholders in Malaysia. A total of twenty different research articles were analyzed as part of the review with the objective to compile a comprehensive list of results and conclusions. Based on the research outcomes, it has been determined that the main trends covering methods, crop management, site selection, and labor hold significant importance. It has been identified that poor agricultural practice is the primary factor in determining the quantity of FFB and OER that is produced by smallholders. The findings reveal that the research took place mainly in the states of Pahang, Perak, Sabah, and Johor. Hence, it can be inferred that there is a shortage of research related to the evaluation of factors influencing the yield of FFB and OER among smallholders in the regions of Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Sarawak. Sarawak exhibits a somewhat lower level of research activity in comparison to the other two states. Related to the subject, it is recommended that further investigation be conducted in other regions, with a specific focus on expanding the oil palm supply chain for Malaysia, with the objective of achieving the targeted 23% rate of OER as outlined in the National Key Economic Area (NKEA).