ASSESSMENT OF YOUTHS’ PARTICIPATION IN OIL PALM VALUE CHAIN ACTIVITIES IN AKAMKPA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study examined the participation of youths in the oil palm value chain in Cross River State, Nigeria, with emphasis on their socio-economic characteristics, extent of involvement, perceptions, and major constraints. Data were collected from respondents and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency, percentage, and ranking. The results showed that the majority of respondents (80%) were within the productive age range of 26–35 years, predominantly male (75%), and married (66%), with a high literacy level as 93% had attained some form of formal education. A significant proportion (79%) belonged to cooperative societies, which enhanced their participation in value chain activities. The findings further revealed that youths were actively involved in key segments of the oil palm value chain, particularly in processing and marketing activities, with retailing of palm oil products, storage, and threshing ranking highest in participation. Respondents perceived the oil palm value chain as a viable pathway for poverty reduction, employment generation, and increased agricultural productivity. However, several constraints hindered effective participation, including high labour costs, land tenure challenges, poor road infrastructure, inadequate storage facilities, limited access to capital, and ageing oil palm plantations. The study concludes that although youth participation in the oil palm value chain is substantial, it is constrained by structural and economic challenges. It is therefore recommended that policies should focus on improving access to credit and land, strengthening cooperative societies, investing in rural infrastructure and labour-saving technologies, and providing targeted capacity-building programs to enhance youth participation and maximize the potential of the oil palm value chain.