Analysis of Determinants Influencing Oil Palm Farmers’ Adoption of Agricultural Technologies and their Impact on Agribusiness Productivity in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to discover the factors affecting Delta State farmers' use of agricultural technology and assess its effects on the performance of agribusiness in this area. A survey and an ex-post facto research design were used to collect information from a set of representative oil palm farmers in the state. This study adopts a descriptive survey research design with a quantitative approach. The target population of this study comprises all registered and non-registered oil palm farmers across the three senatorial districts (Delta North, Delta Central, and Delta South) in DeltaState, Nigeria. According to data from the Delta State Ministry of Agriculture (2024), there are approximately 3,386 oil palm farmers operating at various scales within the state. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select a representative sample of 400 oil palm farmers.The researchers examined how socio-economic issues, backing from institutions and farmers’ views played a part in their decision to adopt farming methods. The research suggests that educational attainment, extension support, availability of bank loans and belief in the benefits drive farmers to adopt new practices in oil palm farming. Though many now recognise the value of technology, it is still hard for most to take advantage of it due to problems including budget deficiencies, missing technical skills and faulty basic infrastructure. Even so, the study illustrates that using agricultural technologies has led to a productive rise in agribusiness, as seen by high yields, less spending on labour and better lives. It emphasises that making extension services more available, offering low-cost financing, training and upgrading infrastructure would help expand the use of technology among oil palm growers. Two main solutions are to help farmers by subsidising inputs, encourage group farming and increase public-private joint ventures to grow sustainable agribusiness. This research gives important advice to policymakers, development agencies and stakeholders who support innovative change in agriculture and the development of rural communities in Nigeria.