Priorities of Smallholder Oil Palm Producers in Ika Local Government Area of Delta State: Implication for Agricultural Extension Service in Nigeria

The study was designed to ascertain priorities of smallholder oil palm producers in Ika local government area. One hundred and twenty randomly selected farmers were used. Data were collected by the use of structured interview schedule and analysed using meanscore, percentage and factor analysis. The study showed that smallholder oil palm producers constituted of farmers with mean age of 56year, 16years farming experience, 2hectares average farm size and high literacy level (51%). Constraints to production were institutional / infrastructural, policy and fund related factors. The highly ranked priorities of the respondents were credit (1 ), improved varieties (2 ), inputs (3 ), infrastructure (4 ), affordable processing machines and st nd rd th others. The study concludes that a multi-stakeholders’ collaboration and partnership is required to explore the potential and improve productivity of the sector. Extension practitioners, however, has greater roles to play in the area of mobilization of farmers’ group and youths, creation of awareness and training/capacity building on the use of agronomic practices.