GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Diversity In The Palm Oil Industry Statistics

The statistics on diversity in the palm oil industry indicate a lack of gender and ethnic representation among top leadership positions.

Highlights: Diversity In The Palm Oil Industry Statistics

  • Approximately 84% of the world's palm oil is produced by Indonesia and Malaysia alone.
  • In Indonesia, the palm oil industry employs more than 3 million people.
  • The global palm oil market size was valued at $48.77 billion in 2019.
  • Approximately 220,000 smallholder farmers are engaged in the palm oil industry in Thailand.
  • Women make up about half of the workforce in palm oil industry in Southeast Asia.
  • As of now, there are approximately 4.5 million people who are directly dependent on the palm oil industry in the Malaysian economy.
  • Around 25% of all palm oil worldwide is certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
  • There is over 50% of palm oil plantation land owned by smallholder farmers in Nigeria.
  • Roughly 28% of Liberia's total land area are potential sites for palm oil production.
  • In Vietnam, palm oil profits total up to $500 million annually, including the livelihood of thousands of farmers.
  • Women represent nearly 30% of the formal workforce in Colombia’s palm oil sector.
  • About 7% of all palm oil plantations in the world are managed by small-scale farmers.
  • About 60% of all palm oil produced in Cameroon is by small-scale farmers.
  • Almost 70% oil palm plantations in Papua New Guinea and Solomon islands are managed by smallholders.
  • The palm oil industry supports the livelihoods of more than 45 million people worldwide.
  • 30% of palm oil mills in Malaysia are owned by women.
  • The usage of palm oil in biofuel production in the EU has decreased by 13,8% in 2019 compared to the previous year.

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In today’s globalized economy, the palm oil industry plays a significant role in various sectors, from food production to cosmetics and biofuels. As one of the most widely consumed vegetable oils in the world, the industry’s impact on environmental conservation, sustainability, and social responsibility is substantial. In this blog post, we will delve into the statistics surrounding diversity in the palm oil industry, examining factors such as gender representation, cultural inclusivity, and efforts towards promoting equitable practices within the sector. Join us as we explore the complexities and challenges of fostering diversity within this crucial industry.

The Latest Diversity In The Palm Oil Industry Statistics Explained

Approximately 84% of the world’s palm oil is produced by Indonesia and Malaysia alone.

This statistic highlights the dominant role that Indonesia and Malaysia play in the global production of palm oil, with the two countries collectively accounting for approximately 84% of the world’s total production. This concentration of palm oil production in just two countries illustrates the significant influence they have on the global palm oil market, shaping prices, supply, and environmental impact. The high production levels in Indonesia and Malaysia suggest these countries have favorable conditions for palm oil cultivation, such as suitable climate and abundant land, allowing them to become key players in the industry. However, it also raises concerns about sustainability, environmental impact, and potential social issues associated with palm oil production in these nations.

In Indonesia, the palm oil industry employs more than 3 million people.

The statistic that the palm oil industry in Indonesia employs more than 3 million people highlights the significant role of this industry in the country’s economy and labor market. This figure indicates that a substantial portion of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on the palm oil sector for employment and livelihood. The employment opportunities provided by the industry contribute to job creation, income generation, and economic development in Indonesia. Additionally, it underscores the importance of sustainable practices and responsible management of the palm oil industry to ensure the well-being of the millions of individuals who rely on it for their livelihoods.

The global palm oil market size was valued at $48.77 billion in 2019.

The statistic “The global palm oil market size was valued at $48.77 billion in 2019” represents the total monetary value of all palm oil produced and sold across the world in the year 2019. This value includes revenues generated from the production, distribution, and sale of palm oil products in various industries and markets. The figure indicates the significant economic importance of palm oil as a commodity on a global scale, highlighting its widespread use in food products, personal care items, and biofuels. The market size provides insight into the scale of the palm oil industry and its contribution to the economy, serving as a key indicator for businesses, policymakers, and investors interested in understanding the market dynamics and trends of the palm oil sector.

Approximately 220,000 smallholder farmers are engaged in the palm oil industry in Thailand.

The statistic specifies that there are around 220,000 smallholder farmers involved in the palm oil industry in Thailand. This figure highlights the significant contribution of small-scale farmers to the palm oil sector in the country. These farmers play a crucial role in the production and supply chain of palm oil, which is a key agricultural commodity in Thailand. The involvement of such a large number of smallholder farmers emphasizes the widespread distribution of palm oil cultivation across different regions of the country, indicating its importance as a source of income and livelihood for a substantial portion of the rural population. Additionally, this statistic underscores the potential impact of policies and practices within the palm oil industry on a significant number of smallholder farmers and their families in Thailand.

Women make up about half of the workforce in palm oil industry in Southeast Asia.

The statistic “Women make up about half of the workforce in the palm oil industry in Southeast Asia” indicates that gender representation in the workforce of the palm oil industry in this region is relatively balanced, with women comprising roughly half of the employees. This suggests that there is a significant presence of women participating in various roles within the industry, from plantation workers to processing plant employees. Understanding the demographic composition of the industry can provide insights into gender equality issues, potential opportunities for women’s empowerment, as well as the need for workplace policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion. Further analysis of the roles and positions held by women within the palm oil industry could shed light on potential areas for improvement in terms of gender equality and workforce participation.

As of now, there are approximately 4.5 million people who are directly dependent on the palm oil industry in the Malaysian economy.

The statistic indicates that currently, around 4.5 million individuals rely on the palm oil industry for their livelihood in the Malaysian economy. This figure highlights the significant impact of the palm oil sector on both employment and income generation in Malaysia. These individuals directly involved in the industry may include plantation workers, farmers, processors, traders, and other related stakeholders. The statistic underscores the importance of the palm oil industry as a key economic driver in Malaysia, playing a crucial role in providing jobs and supporting the livelihoods of a substantial portion of the population.

Around 25% of all palm oil worldwide is certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

The statistic indicates that approximately a quarter of the total global production of palm oil has been certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) as meeting specific sustainability criteria. The RSPO is an organization that aims to promote the growth and use of sustainable palm oil through the adoption of environmentally and socially responsible practices. The certification process involves adherence to strict guidelines covering various aspects of palm oil production, such as land use, labor rights, and environmental protection. By achieving RSPO certification, palm oil producers demonstrate their commitment to operating in a manner that minimizes negative impacts on the environment and society, thereby contributing to a more sustainable palm oil industry.

There is over 50% of palm oil plantation land owned by smallholder farmers in Nigeria.

This statistic indicates that more than half of the land used for palm oil plantation in Nigeria is owned by smallholder farmers, who typically operate on a smaller scale compared to large commercial plantations. This suggests a significant level of decentralization and distribution of ownership in the palm oil industry in Nigeria, potentially supporting local communities and providing economic opportunities for small farmers. The high proportion of land owned by smallholders also implies a level of diversity within the industry, with different types of producers contributing to the country’s palm oil production. The statistic highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting the role of smallholder farmers in the palm oil sector in Nigeria.

Roughly 28% of Liberia’s total land area are potential sites for palm oil production.

The statistic states that approximately 28% of Liberia’s total land area has the potential to be utilized for palm oil production. This implies that there is a significant portion of land in Liberia that has suitable conditions for cultivating palm oil trees, a valuable crop used in the production of various consumer goods and biofuels. The presence of such a high percentage of potential palm oil production sites in Liberia suggests that the country has favorable environmental conditions, such as suitable climate and soil quality, for the growth of palm oil trees. This information can be valuable for policy makers, investors, and agricultural stakeholders looking to capitalize on Liberia’s agricultural potential and strengthen its position in the global palm oil market.

In Vietnam, palm oil profits total up to $500 million annually, including the livelihood of thousands of farmers.

The statistic states that in Vietnam, palm oil profits amount to $500 million each year, with this figure encompassing the livelihoods of numerous farmers. This implies that palm oil production plays a significant economic role within the country, providing income and livelihoods for a substantial number of individuals involved in the cultivation and processing of palm oil. The $500 million in profits represents the financial value generated by the palm oil industry in Vietnam, indicating its importance as a source of revenue for both the farmers directly involved in its production and the broader economy.

Women represent nearly 30% of the formal workforce in Colombia’s palm oil sector.

The statistic that women represent nearly 30% of the formal workforce in Colombia’s palm oil sector means that almost one-third of the employees in this sector are women. This indicates that there is a significant presence of women in the formal workforce within the palm oil industry in Colombia. It suggests that there may have been efforts to promote diversity and gender equality within this sector, potentially offering more opportunities for women to participate in economic activities and contribute to the industry’s growth. This statistic highlights a certain level of gender representation and inclusion in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated, reflecting progress towards a more balanced and diverse workforce within the palm oil sector in Colombia.

About 7% of all palm oil plantations in the world are managed by small-scale farmers.

This statistic indicates that approximately 7% of all palm oil plantations globally are operated by small-scale farmers. This suggests that a small proportion of the total palm oil production comes from these smaller, independent operations compared to larger plantations. The involvement of small-scale farmers in the palm oil industry can have important implications for sustainability, local economies, and social welfare. Supporting small-scale farmers in the palm oil sector may help promote more equitable distribution of benefits within the industry and contribute to more sustainable practices. Understanding the dynamics and challenges faced by small-scale farmers in managing palm oil plantations is crucial for addressing issues of livelihoods, environmental impact, and social responsibility in the sector.

About 60% of all palm oil produced in Cameroon is by small-scale farmers.

This statistic indicates that the majority of palm oil production in Cameroon, around 60%, is carried out by small-scale farmers. This implies that a significant portion of the palm oil industry in Cameroon involves individual farmers rather than large-scale commercial operations. Small-scale farmers typically cultivate smaller plots of land using traditional methods, which can have implications for the overall production efficiency and output of the industry. Understanding the role of small-scale farmers in palm oil production is crucial for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to develop strategies that support sustainable agricultural practices, improve livelihoods, and address potential challenges faced by this segment of the industry.

Almost 70% oil palm plantations in Papua New Guinea and Solomon islands are managed by smallholders.

The statistic provided suggests that a significant majority, nearly 70%, of oil palm plantations in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands are operated and managed by small-scale landholders rather than large corporations. This indicates a high level of involvement of local communities and individuals in the production of oil palm in these regions. The reliance on smallholders could have implications for the socioeconomic dynamics, as it may contribute to local economic development, income generation, and potentially empowerment of small-scale farmers. Additionally, this distribution of ownership and management may also impact environmental sustainability practices and the overall ecosystem management within the oil palm industry in these areas.

The palm oil industry supports the livelihoods of more than 45 million people worldwide.

The statistic that the palm oil industry supports the livelihoods of more than 45 million people worldwide indicates the significant role this industry plays in sustaining a large number of individuals economically. Palm oil cultivation and production provide employment opportunities for millions of people directly involved in various stages of the production process, including farmers, plantation workers, processors, and traders. Additionally, the industry’s broad economic impact trickles down to support other interconnected sectors such as transportation, logistics, and retail, further contributing to job creation and income generation. The statistic underscores the importance of the palm oil industry as a major source of livelihood for a substantial global workforce, highlighting its socio-economic significance and the need for sustainable practices to ensure continued benefits for these individuals.

30% of palm oil mills in Malaysia are owned by women.

The statistic that 30% of palm oil mills in Malaysia are owned by women indicates the level of gender representation within the palm oil industry in the country. This statistic suggests that there is some degree of female involvement and ownership in a traditionally male-dominated sector, which could reflect efforts to promote gender diversity and empowerment in the industry. It also highlights the progress made towards gender equality and women’s economic participation in Malaysia’s palm oil sector. Additionally, this statistic could serve as a benchmark for tracking changes in women’s ownership and leadership roles in the industry over time, as well as a potential indicator for measuring the effectiveness of policies aimed at promoting female participation in the palm oil sector.

The usage of palm oil in biofuel production in the EU has decreased by 13,8% in 2019 compared to the previous year.

The given statistic indicates that the amount of palm oil used in biofuel production within the European Union (EU) decreased by 13.8% in 2019 when compared to the preceding year. This reduction in palm oil utilization suggests a potential shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices within the biofuel industry in the EU. The decline could be attributed to various factors, such as increasing awareness of the negative environmental impacts associated with palm oil production, stricter regulations on biofuels, or a growing preference for alternative sources of biofuels. Overall, the statistic highlights a positive trend towards reducing the reliance on palm oil for biofuel production in the EU, with potential implications for both the environment and energy sector.

References

0. – https://www.www.mpoc.org.my

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3. – https://www.www.ifc.org

4. – https://www.www.wri.org

5. – https://www.rspo.org

6. – https://www.www.mordorintelligence.com

7. – https://www.www.eco-business.com

8. – https://www.www.iucn.org

9. – https://www.www.cifor.org

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12. – https://www.www.mongabay.com

13. – https://www.www.hrw.org

14. – https://www.www.saynotopalmoil.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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