Agricultural development in Southeast Asia: a bibliometric and comparative analysis of palm oil, rubber, and rice (2014–2024)

Abstract

Agricultural development is crucial for the economic growth of Southeast Asia, contributing significantly to regional prosperity and rural livelihoods. This study applies a bibliometric analysis of literature published between 2014 and 2024, utilising the Scopus database. A total of 7666 documents were retrieved based on keywords related to agricultural development, with a specific focus on three major commodities, i.e. rubber, palm oil, and rice. Using these commodities as an analytical lens, the study integrates bibliometric mapping with a comparative analysis of agricultural productivity, market access, and trade in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The findings indicate that Thailand leads in rubber production, Malaysia dominates palm oil productivity, and Indonesia shows competitive strengths in both palm oil and rice cultivation. Despite these commodity-specific advantages, all three countries encounter common challenges such as climate change, land degradation, uneven technological adoption, and trade-related barriers. By linking research trends with policy and production contexts, the study provides evidence-based insights to inform agricultural policy design. The findings support policy recommendations aimed at strengthening regional collaboration, advancing sustainability initiatives, and enhancing farmer capacity to improve productivity and competitiveness across Southeast Asia.