Socio-economic Determinants of Adoption of Oil-palm Processing Technologies in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria

The study examined the socio-economic determinants of the adoption of palm fruit processing technologies in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo state. Purposive and multi-stage sampling procedures were used to select 60 palm fruit processors from whom primary data were obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean, Likert scale, and multiple regression model. All the processing technologies introduced to the palm fruit processors were adopted. Results of multiple regression analysis using linear functional form as lead equation posted an R2 value of 0.740 and showed that household size, age, processing income, credit access, extension access and processing experience were significant determinants of adoption of processing technologies. Meanwhile, 91.67% and 86.67% of the processors were constrained by a lack of funds/financial incapacitation and inadequate credit access respectively. The study recommends that soft loans should be made available and accessible to palm fruit processors in other to equip them with the financial capacity to adopt relevant processing technologies that will not only reduce the drudgery associated with palm fruit processing but also enhance productivity.