COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF USE OF TRADITIONAL AND MODERN METHODS OF PALM OIL PROCESSING AMONG RURAL FARMERS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the comparative analysis of the use of modern and traditional method of palm oil processing among rural farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. The study estimated the cost and returns of palm oil processing, determined factors influencing output of palm oil processing and identified the constraints to use of traditional and modern processing methods. Multistage sampling techniques was used in selecting 120 palm oil processors in the study area. Data were collected with use of structured questionnaire and analyzed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. The major findings showed that modern method of palm oil processing was more profitable than the traditional method with a BCR of 11.8 as against that of 1.30. The study also found that age (10%), education (1%), household size (1%), farming experience (1%), income (1%) and access to credit (5%) were the factors influencing output of palm oil in the study area. Inadequate land, lack of credit, lack of electricity, high cost of transportation among others were some of the constraints in processing of palm oil. There was a significant difference at 1% alpha level in the income from traditional modern processing method. The study therefore concluded that using modern processing method was more profitable than the traditional method. It was recommended that farmers should be aided in the use of modern techniques of processing through relevant and regular extension contact because most times underutilization is due to lack of experience.