Problems and Prospects of Small- Scale Palm oil Processing in Delta- State, Nigeria

Abstract

Palm oil processing is an agricultural venture that is both challenging and rewarding. This work determined the profitability of palm oil processing and examined, the problems associated with palm oil processing in the study area. This findings will both serve as an attraction to potential palm oil processors and also as a warning to all those who may want to adopt the recommended palm oil processing technologies in the study area. The study made use of multistage sampling technique to select 164 respondents among palm oil processors in the study area. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics. The result of the analysis shows that the average profit of palm oil processors was N839,260 per annum, while maximum processors can earn up to N8,050,000 per annum which is an indication that palm oil processing can be very profitable when managed adequately. However, that is not to say palm oil processing is without challenges or constraints. This study also highlight the constraints facing processors, these includes; high cost of palm oil processing, lack access to credit facilities and lack of government support among others.

Keywords: Adoption, constraints, income, processors, profit