Rurality began working with Bell Mill in June 2016.

The mill does not own any estate land and relies fully on smallholders for its supply of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB). In March 2017, Rurality completed the Rural Dynamic Diagnostic, which identified significant gaps in farmer knowledge in regards to better farming practices and over-reliance on palm oil as a cash crop. This also found a disconnect between the mill and farmers. Bridging this gap and enabling a new, capacity-building channel of communication between producer and buyer is now the focus of Rurality's transformation phase.

Forging connections between farmers and the mill

Rurality has initiated farmers’ gatherings at FFB collection centres, helping to strengthen the bond between smallholders and the mill. These meetings allow a crucial flow of information, for example on the mill’s policy on grading quality or its payment system, that before was lacking.

Collaborating with local stakeholders

Rurality is working with stakeholders who are helping smallholders improve their production standard and facilitate diversification of income through a range of approaches (including the provision of seedlings, fertiliser, tools and more) throughout the region.

Introducing effective tools for farm best management practices

Rurality initiated intervention to improve farmers’ crop production by engaging farmers with agro-input dealers and introducing mechanised and effective tools for Best Management Practices of farm plot.

Diversifying incomes

Most farmers the area depend wholly on palm oil for their income. By helping farmers identify alternative sources of income, Rurality is strengthening their resilience.

Improving farming practices

Farm maintenance and harvesting practices are gradually improved through field visits with the farmers. Working with farmers in this way allows Rurality to understand where farmers need assistance, coaching or access to tools.

Empowering farmers through trainings and government extension programmes

Rurality sees the opportunity to empower farmers through diversification of income activities by connecting them with trainings and extension programmes of government or other organisation such as the Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan Lahad Datu (Area Farmers’ Organization of Lahad Datu) that has the potential to improve their productivity and livelihood.

Identifying market opportunities

A crucial step in broadening farmers’ income is identifying markets for their goods. Rurality is carrying out market studies for livestock farming and short-term crops. This project has also sought to create direct linkages between down-stream brand-owning funders of Rurality’s work and the the up-stream processors and producers. It is hoped that this will further boost the market incentive of processors to engage small holders and communicate success.