Utilization of Modern Oil Palm Processing Techniques by Women in Akinyele Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

Studies have revealed that despite the availability of several modern oil palm processing techniques, many oil palm producers in Nigeria still embrace the use of traditional methods which usually results in low production  and also not sustainable in emergency situations. This study therefore examined the utilization of modern oil palm processing techniques in Akinyele Local Government area of Oyo state. 

Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select a sample size of 120 oil palm processors from 5 out of the 12 wards in the LGA using structured questionnaire to elicit information. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency and percentages, chi-square and PPMC.

Results showed that majority (82.3%) of the respondents in the study were married (82.3%) and practiced Christianity (71.7%) with mean age of 51 years. About 23.0% had adult education with mean household size of 5 persons. About 47.8% of the respondents had no other income generating activity apart from oil palm processing. Also, the mean years of processing experience of respondents in the study area was 14.8 years while majority (95.6%) of the respondents made use of hired labour and 61.9% produced on commercial basis with mean income of N20238.94. The study also revealed that dryer (68.1%), oil expeller or extractor (62.8%), sterilizer (61.1%), crusher (58.4%), digester and presser (54.9%), miller (47.8%) and Nut cracker (30.1%) were always available for the use of oil palm processors in the study area with high availability of 69.9%.  Respondents’ income (R=0.433 ≤0.05), Farm size (R= 0.968≤0.05) and years of processing experience (R=0.258 ≤0.05) were significant to the utilization of modern facilities of oil palm in the study area. Also respondents’ knowledge (r=0.300, p<0.05), attitude (r =0.546, p>0.05), benefits derived (r=0.572, p<0.05) and access to modern facilities (r=0.983, p<0.05) were all significant to the utilization of modern facilities for oil palm processing in the study area.

The study identified that respondents in the following categories; those who have high marital support, level of education, income, household size, farm size, production years and older in age had access to and utilized the modern oil palm processing facilities. It is therefore recommended that Government should assist those with low socio-economic characteristics by providing funds and creating awareness about the modern oil palm processing facilities.