Share
Share
Harmonising sustainable economic development, forest conservation, decent work opportunities and resilient livelihoods for communities, anchored in a farmer centric landscape model.
The state of Sabah has among the most biodiverse forests in the world. It is home to Bornean Pygmy Elephants, Orangutans, Rafflesia flowers and many other species. The state also has about 1.5 million hectares of planted oil palm plantations. This makes it the second largest planted area in the country. The palm oil sector also relies heavily on a migrant workforce, who often live with their families in plantations. Over 30,000, independent farmers live in Sabah, who are dependent on their land and oil palm trees for their livelihoods.
Earthworm has been working in Sabah since 2011; engaging oil palm farmers, mills and plantations to address issues like smallholder resilience, biodiversity conservation and workers' welfare. In 2021, this work transitioned to a landscape programme. The goal of the Sabah Landscape programme is to harmonise sustainable economic development, forest conservation, decent working opportunities and community livelihoods, anchored in a farmer-centric landscape model. The landscape area encompasses Beluran, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Telupid and Tongod districts.
We engaged 168 new smallholders through livelihood improvement activities.
We worked with a company to improve the welfare of 486 children living in 2 plantations through a pilot project.
We are supporting local partners to monitor and reduce human-elephant conflict over 9,547 ha of elephant range.
Associated Funder
Field Partners
Sabah is one of the key ecosystems where Earthworm Foundation works through its landscapes approach.
Click on the icons to learn more about Earthworm's work on the commodity:
