Processing and marketing of Elaeise guineensis (oil palm) in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to survey the marketing and processing of Elaeise guineensis (E. guineensis) in Nkanu West LGA of Enugu state,  Nigeria. The five selected districts namely, Obuoffia, Umueze, Akegbe ugwu, Amodu and showed abundance of this Non-Timber  Forest Products (NTFPs). Data were obtained with the aid of a structured and open-ended questionnaire administered among selected  processors and marketers. This study was aimed at knowing the processing methods, marketing channels and profitability of E.  guineensis. Results obtained indicated that 97.0% of the respondents for palm oil were females. 55.0% respondents for the product fall  within the age group of 41-50 years. 62.0% of the respondents were married. 62.0% of the respondents fall within the household size of  6-10. About 51.0% of the respondents had no form of formal education. Processors and marketers were majorly farmers 61.0%. Results  for years of experience indicated that majority 64.0% of the respondents had above 21 years of experience. Majority of the respondents  97.0% were involved in the processing of oil palm and use traditional method. 77.0% of the respondents produced more in medium  quantity. Majority (70.0%) source their products from farm land and 64.0% of the respondents sold to consumers directly. Total revenue  of oil palm per week indicated ₦22,750.00, gross profit margin indicated ₦18,500.00 while return on investment revealed 81.32% per week  from the business which shows that, it is a profitable venture. This study recommends that, farmers should be educated and encouraged  on the need to cut down and replace aging palm trees over (30 years) to increase productivity and output.