Agriculture Promotion Policy and Income Generation by Small-Scale Palm Oil Producers in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, Akwa Ibom State

Peace E. Jonah, Unwana-Abasi S. Udoh & Atairet C. Atairet

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Abstract

The study examined agriculture promotion policy and income generation by small-scale palm oil producers in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, Akwa Ibom State. Specifically, the study examined whether the agriculture promotion policy created access to credit facilities for palm oil producers and if it impacted productivity among small-scale palm oil producers in Akwa Ibom State. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design. The top-down approach served as a theoretical framework to explain government agricultural policies and income generation. Data used in the research were obtained from secondary sources. Findings from the study revealed that the agriculture promotion policy has not been effectively implemented in the Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District. It was further revealed that palm oil farmers in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District do not have access to credit facilities for palm oil production, thus they rely on crude implements and labour-intensive techniques for palm oil processing, leading to low-income generation. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Agriculture should ensure adequate access to credit facilities to small-scale palm oil producers in the State. Also, government and stakeholders in the agricultural sector should encourage greater productivity by prioritising the provision of basic farm inputs such as fertilisers, chemicals and improved oil palm seedlings to small-scale palm oil producers in Akwa Ibom State.

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