Palm oil production is a crucial income source for many farmers and stakeholders in rural areas. However, the expansion of palm oil plantations has led to significant deforestation and destruction of biodiversity hotspots in tropical regions. The negative impacts associated with palm oil production have prompted the need for more sustainable practices that conserve critical forest areas while improving productivity and livelihoods.
Green Growth Africa Network(GGAN) works to ameliorate the situation by supporting smallholders with resources to boost yields and improve livelihoods. By providing training and technical assistance, smallholders can increase their productivity while adopting sustainable practices. This can help reduce their dependency on forest areas for new plantation expansion, thus conserving critical forest areas.
Furthermore, GGAN works with companies and communities to develop new production models that prioritize sustainability. Through collaboration and partnership, GGAN encourages companies to adopt sustainable practices and to use 100% certified sustainable palm oil that meets or exceeds the standards of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Additionally, GGAN advocates for the increase of palm oil from physically certified sources while supporting leadership standards like RSPO Next.
Overall, the aim of the project is to promote sustainable palm oil production that balances the economic benefits of palm oil production with the conservation of critical forest areas and biodiversity hotspots. By working with stakeholders at all levels, GGAN hopes to promote a more sustainable and equitable future for palm oil production.
