Assessment of Youth Participation in Oil Palm Value Chain Activities in Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study examined youth participation 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 analysed using descriptive statistics and mean ranking. The results revealed that most respondents (80%) were within the productive age range of 26–35 years, predominantly male (75%), married (66%), and literate, with 93% having attained some level of formal education. A significant proportion (79%) belonged to cooperative societies, which enhanced their participation in value chain activities. Findings further indicated that youths were actively engaged in processing and marketing segments, with retailing of palm oil products, storage, and threshing ranking highest in participation. Respondents also perceived the oil palm value chain as a viable avenue for poverty reduction, employment generation, and increased productivity. However, high labour costs, land tenure constraints, poor road networks, inadequate storage facilities, insufficient capital, and ageing plantations were identified as key barriers to participation. The study recommends improved access to credit and land, strengthening of cooperative societies, investment in infrastructure and laboursaving technologies, and targeted capacity building to enhance youth participation and unlock the full potential of the oil palm value chain.