The Future of the Nigerian Agricultural Industries: A Case Study of Oil Palm Production in Edo State

Abstract:

This study analyzes oil palm production from 2001 - 2008 in Edo State, with a view of establishing the future of Nigerian Agricultural oil palm industries. The specific objectives were to identify and quantify the factors influencing the production of oil palm, reveal the constraints to the production of oil palm; analyze the viability of oil palm production as an investment and predict the future of oil palm enterprise in Edo State. Three Local Government Areas of high oil palm concentration in Edo State were covered. Ninety selected oil palm producers from nine villages in the study area were selected. Frequency distributions and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the results. The results showed that for the period under review (2001 - 2008) on a per hectare basis, seedlings cost, and labour cost were significant inputs, positively influencing the production of oil palm in the Edo State. A growth rate of 6.2% and 23.5% were projected for oil palm with reference to palm oil and fresh fruit bunches (FFB), respectively, up to the year 2020, an indication that oil palm production in the State is viable and the future is bright. The study revealed that inadequate storage facilities, poor planting materials and lack of government assistance, among others, are major bottlenecks in oil palm production in Edo State. However, since oil palm production in Edo State is viable, it is an indication that the future of Nigerian Agricultural Industries is bright.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 824)
• Pages: 561-567
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.824.561
• Online since: September 2013
• Authors: U.J. Udosen, A.P. Ugboya
• Keywords: Agricultural Oil Palm Industries, Multiple Regression Analysis, Oil Palm Producers in Edo State, Oil Palm Production, Storage Facilities

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DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.824.561

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