Pathways to Prosperity: Education and Institutional Development as Drivers of Smallholder Transformation in the Palm Oil Supply Chain

This journal examines how education and institutional development drive the transformation of smallholder oil palm farmers in the supply chain. Aiming to synthesize the latest empirical evidence, the study employs a PRISMA-based Systematic Literature Review of 37 Scopus articles (2020–2025). The results indicate that education and training enhance productivity, adoption of cultivation practices, and managerial capacity. The impact is more sustainable when supported by cooperatives, inclusive governance, access to financing, and market integration. Education and institutions are complementary in strengthening the income, resilience, and sustainability of smallholders.