The Role of Information on Adoption of Improved Palm Oil Processing Technologies in Delta State, Nigeria

Information is a key to success. This research found out the role played by information sources in adoption of improved palm oil processing technologies in Delta State. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 164 respondents from the State. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire; and analyzed using descriptive statistics. It was observed that processors' main sources of information were fellow processors, neighbours, friends and relatives. Result indicates that digester and mechanical press recorded 100% adoption rate each; sterilizing and separating machines had 79%, and 33% respectively. Sterilizer, digester and mechanical press recorded high overall perception on adoption. Hence, palm oil processing can be a very lucrative and attractive enterprise in the agricultural sector if processors receive the necessary encouragement by availing them with information needed for palm oil processing to thrive. Therefore, it was recommended that: government should make effort to extend extension services in regards to palm oil processing technologies in the study area; training should be organized by concerned organizations on best practices and management of small-scale palm oil processing enterprises; processors should form associations for easy flow of information; manufacturers of the improved technologies should arrange for after sale service for adopters on how to handle the technologies.