Preliminary Insights into Sustainable Management of Coconut Waste from Smallholders in Bagan Datuk, Malaysia

The improper disposal of coconut waste poses significant environmental and economic challenges, particularly among smallholders in Bagan Datuk, Perak. This study investigates smallholders’ perspectives on sustainable coconut waste management, incorporating the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to analyse key behavioural determinants. A total of 30 smallholders were selected through simple random sampling to ensure a representative sample. The reliability analysis confirmed the robustness of the survey instrument, with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.938, indicating high internal consistency. Findings reveal that while smallholders exhibit strong awareness and positive attitudes toward sustainable waste management, several barriers hinder adoption, including financial constraints, technological limitations, and time constraints. The study identifies viable waste processing technologies, such as composting and upcycle products which align with local resource availability and economic feasibility. Furthermore, the environmental consequences of improper disposal, such as methane emissions and soil degradation, underscore the urgency of implementing effective waste management strategies. Policy recommendations include financial incentives, capacity-building programmes, and enhanced stakeholder engagement to support smallholder adoption of sustainable practices. This study provides critical insights for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders seeking to improve coconut waste valorisation and promote sustainability in smallholder agriculture.