From Village Work to Sustainable Community Farming

Amran, an indigenous Orang Asli from rural Pahang, Malaysia, grew up depending on traditional village jobs to support his family. His daily routine often involved tapping rubber, cutting oil palm for wages, and taking on other small rural tasks. These jobs provided him with a modest monthly income of RM300–RM700, barely enough to cover household expenses and leaving little room for savings or growth.

In 2023, Amran’s life took a new direction when he joined the OA Organik program which is a community farming initiative designed to promote natural farming among Orang Asli communities. His first crop was siew pak choy, a leafy vegetable that symbolized the beginning of a new livelihood. The harvest not only boosted his household income but also supplied fresh, healthy produce for his family’s kitchen.

Building Sustainable Livelihoods for Orang Asli

More than just financial benefits, the OA Organik program provided Amran with the occasion to practice the concept of communal living and cooperative farming, values that resonate deeply with Orang Asli traditions. By farming together, families can share resources, support one another, and build resilience against challenges.

At the start, Amran’s farm thrived. His vegetables were plentiful and of high quality, helping him meet household needs more comfortably. This success gave him confidence that OA Organik program could be a sustainable path forward. Yet farming is never without obstacles. Heavy rains made the main road to the community farm impassable, cutting off access and causing his yields and income to drop during the monsoon season.

Turning Challenges Into Opportunities

Instead of giving up, Amran turned adversity into opportunity. He offered his land to be developed into a new community farm in a flood-free area. Two other participants joined him, transforming the farm into a collective effort. This decision highlighted that the program was not only about economic stability but also about nurturing community spirit and sustainability for future generations of Orang Asli.

The farm is a symbol of hope, showing that cooperation can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

Investing in Sustainable Farming Practices

Today, Amran is working on installing an irrigation system to ensure consistent water supply and improve his farm’s productivity for better harvests. This investment reflects his long-term vision: to build a farm that is not only profitable but also sustainable. His dream goes beyond personal income. He hopes more Orang Asli families will embrace this program, recognizing that true prosperity lies not only in financial gain but also in valuing community, land, nature, and culture.

Amran’s journey is an inspiring example of how sustainable farming practices can empower indigenous communities. By combining traditional resilience with modern methods, he is helping to build a future where Orang Asli families thrive economically while preserving their heritage and environment.

Read previous article – Discover how Ibu Semah, a pioneering farmer from rural Pahang, is empowering indigenous farmers through community-led natural farming.