Sustainable Economic Analysis of Oil Palm Value Chain in Imo State Nigeria: Opportunities and Challenges.

Abstract

Abstract Oil palm production abounds with opportunities and challenges to sustainable economic growth in developing economies like Nigeria. The main objective of the study was to analyse the economics of the value chain of oil palm in Imo State. This study took into consideration three key value chain actors; which were mapped as the farmer, the processors and the marketers. It evaluated the different actors and their functions in the value chain to understand their dynamics and potential growth in the value chain. The identified opportunities in the value chain are job creation, increased demand for the products of oil palm, economic diversification, value chain integration and collaboration with other stakeholders, export potential and Interventions from governments and investors across the globe. There has been different government intervention to improve this sector of agriculture in Imo state. The challenges identified were inflation, lack of finance, land constraints and the tenure system, limited market information and the pricing dynamics that have affected the value chain actors in the expansion of the oil palm enterprise in Imo State. In summary, the study has shown the potential and the limitations faced by the value chain actors of oil palm in Imo State, Nigeria.