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Abstract

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) production has been essential in
addressing socio-economic challenges, particularly in countries such
as Indonesia, Malaysia, Honduras, Ghana, and Nigeria. For
instance, oil palm production has provided food among the rural
populations, creating job opportunities, generating income, hence
offering potential pathway for reducing rural poverty. In Malawi, oil
palm production is an old tradition practiced by the Nyakyusa
people, residing in Karonga District. These people have been
involved in producing crude palm oil and soap using indigenous
technologies that have been handed down over decades from
generation to generation. Despite these indigenes being involved in
this agricultural activity, the exploration of how this activity impact
their lives remain under researched. Using mixed method and
sequential explanatory design, with data collected through
questionnaire, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussion, the
study examined the socio-economic benefits of oil palm production
on rural livelihood, citing Karonga district as area of case study. The
findings of the study revealed that through oil palm production,
rural farmers perceive this agricultural activity as crucial in
sustaining their livelihood as it provides cooking oil, creates once-off
job opportunities and generate income, hence meeting basic needs.
Also, though oil palm production sustains their livelihood, the study
revealed problems such as availability of markets, hindering the
progress of this agricultural activity. The study therefore recommends that to unlock the full potential of oil palm production,
the government through the Malawi Ministry of Agriculture should
help farmers to market their produce.

Article Details

How to Cite
Mweta, N., Somuah-Obeng, A., & Windie Ansah, J. (2024). SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF OIL PALM PRODUCTION ON RURAL LIVELIHOOD: A CASE STUDY OF RURAL FARMERS IN KARONGA DISTRICT, MALAWI. Journal of Agri Socio Economics and Business, 6(01), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.31186/jaseb.6.1.1-20