Climate change and oil palm: impacts and adaptation strategies for resilient production

Oil palm is the world’s most productive oil-bearing crop, yet its sustainability is increasingly threatened by climate change. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, higher atmospheric CO₂ and extreme weather events affect oil palm growth, productivity and ecosystem stability. Temperatures above the optimal range of 24 °C–32 °C reduce photosynthesis. They also disturb reproductive development and lower fresh fruit bunch yield. Drought and variable rainfall further reduce productivity by limiting carbon assimilation and inflorescence differentiation. Climate change also increases pest and disease pressure. This intensifies both biotic and abiotic stresses. Several adaptation strategies are being explored in genetic, agronomic and technological fields. Genomic tools such as marker-assisted selection and genomic selection help develop stress-tolerant genotypes more quickly. Improved agronomic practices, including better soil management, efficient irrigation, cropping system approaches and integrated pest management, improve system resilience. Digital agricultural technologies also support adaptation. These include remote sensing, UAVs, IoT-based systems, and artificial intelligence. They enable real-time monitoring, early stress detection and efficient resource management. A multidisciplinary and climate-smart approach will help maintain productivity, resilience and sustainability in oil palm systems under future climate conditions.