ABSTRACT
The influence of respondents‟ socio-economic characteristics along with other factors on adoption of the recommended palm oil processing technologiesin Delta State, Nigeriawas investigated. This study was carried out in order to determine the specific factors that significantly influence adoption of recommended palm oil processing technologies in the study area. Multistage sampling procedure, (in conjunction with purposive and random sampling techniques) was used in selecting respondents for this study. Data were collected, using structured questionnaire, and analyzed, using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Results revealed that processors were mostly female (62%), with mean age of 39 years and were 95% literate. The respondents had mean processing experience of 14 years and they also had low access to credit facilities (9%). All the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents influenced adoption of recommended technologies except sex. The study has revealed that adopters of recommended palm oil processing technologies had increase in both their income and output. Respondents reported that the technologies were compatible, complex and very expensive. The specified socio-economic and institutional predictor variables collectively contributed 87% to the variation in the levels of adoption of the recommended palm oil processing technologies. It was discovered that none of the processors had contact with extension agents, while accessibility to credit facilities was another serious constraint facing the processors. There were no functional social groups among the processors also. It is therefore recommended that credit scheme should be instituted and made available to processors by government and other financial institutions. It is also recommended that processors should form cooperative societies to enable them take advantage of the credit scheme being advocated for and enjoy the benefit of group dynamics.