ABSTRACT
More than 500,000 households can be classified as traditional small farms in Peninsular Malaysia. The average farm size is about two hectares with considerable variation between urban and rural areas, and among different communities in the different states. Almost two-thirds (65%) of these farmers are owner-occupiers, 24% are tenant farmers and 11% owner-tenant operators. They grow a large variety of crops such as tobacco, rice, fruits, vegetables, spices, cocoa, rubber, oil palm, coffee, cassava and yam, and some also keep livestock such as chickens, goats, cows and ducks (Ooi et al., 1983). Most traditional small farmers operate with limited means, with minimal use of modern technology and machinery, relying on family labour, hired labourers and sometimes community help.
