ABSTRACT:
The important indicator in measuring the effectiveness of oil palm plantation was based on the production of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) and crude palm oil (CPO) per hectare. The social network can be defined as a system of social linkages with other members of the community on whom one can rely (family, neighbours, members of same organisations). Social networks can thus be considered as a powerful mean to foster the diffusion of information and knowledge as well as to reduce the uncertainty and transaction costs. Access to information and influence through social networks also confers private benefits for individuals. In some cases, it can be used by individuals or groups to exclude others and reinforce the dominance or privilege of social network for independent smallholders in the study areas. Two study areas with different FFB production achievement were selected, namely Pontian and Simpang Renggam in Johor. This study was undertaken to investigate how social network plays an important role in increasing the FFB production. Qualitative approached was conducted on three categories of informants, including oil palm smallholders, extension agent and a person who is assigned as a leader at the area or authorised person through face-toface interviews. The convenient sampling technique was used according to preselected criteria associated with particular research questions. The positive social networks among the informants of this study suggests that good FFB production is a feature that facilities the decision making of problem solving and information distribution platform.
Keywords: social network, oil palm, FFB production, independent
smallholders
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