Acceptance and Awareness of Oil Palm Smallholders toward Integrating Farming Systems in Malaysia: A Case Study in Keratong Rompin District in Pahang

This study investigates the acceptance and awareness of smallholders in Malaysia toward integrated farming systems within the oil palm sector. It explores key factors influencing smallholder decisions, including yield enhancement, income optimization, additional productivity, cost minimization, and risk mitigation. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 160 smallholders in Keratong Rompin, Pahang. The results indicated that increased yield and income significantly influenced the acceptance of integrated farming, highlighting their importance in decision-making. However, the study also found that low levels of awareness about integrated farming remain a significant barrier to adoption. The findings suggest that government promotion, education, and support are crucial for overcoming these challenges and improving smallholder adoption of integrated systems, thereby enhancing productivity, economic resilience, and sustainability in the sector.