BY cutting out middlemen and working directly with a supermarket, Orang Asli farmers are able to generate more income from sustainable vegetable farming.

This is what social enterprise, OA Organik, has done for the Orang Asli c in Ulu Gumum, Pahang, since 2016 with 50 farmers who plant on 10 small plots covering 1.2ha.

OA Organik was founded by Yayasan Kajian Pembangunan Masyarakat (YKPM), which focuses on helping the community develop sustainable livelihoods while conserving the environment.

“We had done a lot of programmes with them like providing wells and water but we realised that many of these programmes did not go far enough to empower them to be truly sustainable,” YKPM general manager Kon Onn Sein told The Malaysian Insight.

Beyond that, Kon also said the Orang Asli need access to a fair market. Commonly, the farm-to-supermarket chain will entail middlemen who raise the cost of transactions, leaving growers and producers earning less than the retail price of the produce.

“The supply chain system is inefficient and the cost of transactions is so high that (the benefits) are intangible for Orang Asli, leaving them unable to adapt and to join the market economy,” the former lawyer said.

“We destroy their forest and then we say ‘okay, well, the only way out for you is to adapt to modernisation’.

“(But) if you try to adapt to that modernisation, you’ll find that the supply chain is inefficient and you cannot survive. They are caught in a difficult situation.

“Because of the problems they face in accessing a fair market, we have to help find a mechanism to help them bridge that gap, so that farming and production are a viable, sustainable and accepted solution for the community.” 

OA Organik was founded to overcome these challenges and is run by Orang Asli themselves as a cooperative to help them access the market.

Kon assists by helping to ensure they get a fair place in the market, including with transportation and delivery, logistics, providing farming knowledge and guiding them on financial literacy.

“We have a direct marketing approach with stores to sell OA Organik’s produce.”

Natural skills

Orang Asli families who previously earned RM500 are now able to earn between RM1,000 and RM2,000 a month from growing and selling vegetables through this platform.

The amount is based on how much a farmer wants to put in, as YKPM does not dictate productivity levels or set a required number of working hours, said Kon.

Because Orang Asli are traditionally subsistence farmers, Kon said in the beginning, it was difficult to get them to do commercial farming.

“We would have a large group interested in learning how to farm but gradually, you would see some faces disappear as it was not something they are used to,” he said.

However, interest grew after YKPM provided basic farming knowledge and training.

“Jakoa (Department of Orang Asli Development) has also been very helpful. They issued a letter of support to run this business, while at the same time, also ensured they have fair access to the market.

“On top of that, Jakoa is also planning to build them a processing centre.”

Kon said the farmers now produce around two tonnes of vegetables on a monthly basis, which are sold at six Jaya Grocer outlets in the Klang Valley and one in Kuantan.

Among the best-selling items are the Brazilian spinach, ladies’ fingers, mini tomatoes and corn, which are sold at a minimum of RM15.50 per kg.

He said OA Organik has elevated the standard of living for many of the farmers.

“Since they started getting a sustainable income, I have witnessed some families expanding their houses, and purchasing things like motorbikes and washing machines.”

Kon said instead of forcing modernisation on to Orang Asli communities, policies should be developed in a way that enhances their natural skills and talents.

“There is a very close correlation between forests and the culture and practices of the Orang Asli.

“In recognising that they are uniquely gifted to take care of the forest, the state should look at how can they support the Orang Asli and preserve these areas for the good of all, rather than see them as a problem, troublemakers or as the enemy.” – December 11, 2020.