Towards Palm Oil Self-sufficiency in Nigeria: Constraints and Training needs Nexus of Palm Oil Extractors

Abstract

This study investigated constraints and training needs of oil palm fruit processors- 'palm oil extractors' in Nigeria, using Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria as a case study. A two stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and sixty (160) households involved in palm oil extraction activities across the study area. Data were collected using interview schedule and were analysed using both descriptive and training need analyses. Study findings revealed that palm oil extractors were aged women who have had little or no formal education and have been involved in palm oil extraction activities for about 35 years. Almost all the major palm oil extraction activities were carried out using the outdated unhygienic traditional methods. Training needs assessment indicated that sterilization (mean score = 7.54), stripping (8.17), mixing (9.36), skimming (8.46) and clarification activities (8.72) in palm oil extraction are all tasks that extractors require training on. Constraints to palm oil extraction activities reported were those of poor and inadequate transportation system (36.3%), water scarcity (26.2%), inadequate labour supply ( 21.9%) , as well as non-contact with extension (15.6%). The study therefore calls for the design of extension and training programmes by stakeholders for oil palm extractors, provision of boreholes at palm oil extraction vicinities, and mobilization of extractors to form cooperatives to acquire modern extraction machines