Smallholders Key to Forest Protection

Aida Greenbury argues in a commentary that smallholder farmers are often wrongly seen as a risk to forests, when they are often the most motivated to protect them. Greenbury draws on her experience working with corporations and communities in Indonesia to explain how deforestation-free supply chains often place undue burdens on smallholders lacking resources and legal recognition. She contends that lasting forest protection requires long-term commitments from companies, donors, governments, and NGOs to support smallholder land rights, improve yields, and build trusted local institutions.

The High Carbon Stock Approach developed a Deforestation-Free Toolkit for Smallholders in Indonesia, prioritizing local knowledge and consent. However, securing consistent, long-term support remains a challenge, as donors often favor short-term projects with easily measured outcomes. The Farmers for Forest Protection Foundation, or 4F, is currently working in West Kalimantan with the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency to connect forest conservation with improved crop yields and market access.

Greenbury notes that simply asking smallholders to avoid deforestation is insufficient without addressing their broader economic needs. The work continues as 4F begins a new phase of research and collaboration in Sanggau, West Kalimantan.