Partnership model based on the utilization of oil palm empty fruit bunches for straw mushroom and compost production

Abstract

The palm oil industry generates a large amount of oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB), which remain underutilized and pose potential environmental problems. On the other hand, EFB has lignocellulosic characteristics that make it suitable for use as a growing medium for straw mushrooms and as a raw material for compost production. This study aims to develop a partnership model based on technological implementation for utilizing EFB as a substrate for straw mushroom cultivation and compost production. The research employed a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative analyses. SWOT analysis was used to identify internal and external factors, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to determine strategic priorities. The results indicate that the core actors in the partnership include the government, palm oil mills, and small and medium enterprises engaged in mushroom and compost production. The IFE score of 3.38 and EFE score of 3.53 place the partnership in an aggressive grow and build position. Priority strategies include scaling up EFB-based straw mushroom production, developing compost processing units from spent mushroom substrate, and strengthening upstream–downstream integration between palm oil mills and SMEs.