HARNESSING SOCIAL-FI FOR BOUNDLESS MARKET ACCESS: EMPOWERING SMALLHOLDER PALM OIL FARMERS IN THE AFIJIO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

In order to solve the significant market access and financial inclusion issues that smallholder palm oil producers in the Afijio Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria confront, this study investigates the transformative potential of SocialFian, a developing integration of social networking and decentralized finance (DeFi). This study evaluates farmers' perceived hurdles, desire to implement block chain-powered platforms, and digital preparedness using a mixed-methods approach that combines surveys and qualitative input. Even if there are problems with literacy and infrastructure, the results demonstrate that people are willing to use digital tools. Real-time pricing, direct buyer ties, and low-interest financing have all been identified as important factors that speed things along. This study provides a conceptual framework to demonstrate that SocialFi can help people become financially independent. This framework emphasizes the need for cooperative onboarding, easy-to-use platform design, and digital literacy programs. Giving farmers in underserved areas practical ways to make the market more accessible and sustainable ads to the discussion about the digital revolution in agriculture.