Documenting the social and environmental consequences of oil palm plantations in Nicaragua

Abstract

Palm oil production is expanding in many tropical areas worldwide. The implications for the landscape, social relations and living conditions in the respective areas are the subject of a controversial debate. This article explores the social, economic, and environmental impacts caused by palm oil production in two places in south-eastern Nicaragua: Kukra Hill and Boca de Sábalos. From a theoretical perspective of political ecology, this article reflects on the opportunities and limitations of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and researchers in documenting social and environmental impacts of one crop within a process of agrarian change in a local setting. The study sheds light on the social and environmental consequences of oil palm cultivation in both places. The text departs from reports and documentation gathered by two Nicaraguan NGOs, Centro Humboldt and Fundación del Rio, who used participatory methods to gather information. Their documentation is complemented by interviews of additional actors involved and affected by oil palm, impressions of field work at both sites, as well as an analysis of newspaper articles. The findings of the analysis concern multiple topics. Firstly, the research suggests that large-scale oil palm plantations accelerate land use changes, contribute to deforestation, and decrease local food sovereignty. Secondly, with large-scale oil palm plantations, the overall use and contamination of water increases and pesticide use multiplies, which has severe impacts on human and animal health. Nevertheless, local authorities perceive themselves as facing a dilemma: they welcome the tax revenue and job creation, and therefore some ignore their citizens’ complaints, while others perceive that they themselves lack control mechanisms. Furthermore, bad working conditions, low safety standards, and ignorance of workers’ rights are subjects of conflict.