Contribution of Oil Palm Plantation to Household in Kolaka District of Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract

The study aimed to find out the contribution of oil palm plantation to the household income of villagers in Kolaka District. The study was conducted in three villages in an oil palm plantation zone in Tanggetada sub-district, Kolaka District, Southeast Sulawesi. We selected 73 respondents from the three villages, representing partner farmers, casual workers in the plantation, and partner-farmers who were casual workers. A questionnaire-based interview method and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were used to collect data and information. Research results showed that 68.5% of respondents perceived the plantation to have contributed positively to the household income. The average annual income they received from the plantation was Rp18,915,818 or 57.5% of the total household income. While the present income level was rated slightly better than before, respondents rated the stability of income and the suitability with skills as "same as before,"and rated leisure time and work satisfaction as "worse than before."The local government and the plantation company should maximize the plantation's livelihood benefits to enhance social sustainability of oil palm production.