ABSTRACT

The study investigated 'contributions of women to rural development through income from oil palm fruits processing in Abia state. Data used were obtained from structured questionnaire administered using oral interview schedules as well as observation methods. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistical tools such as percentages, frequencies and means. Bar chart was used to show the level of coniribution of women to various rural development projects. Netincome analysis as well as Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis was carried out to achieve the other objectives of the study. Results showed that educational background of the respondents was not a barrier to the oil palm processing as majority of the respondents are educated. The women used both traditional and mechanical methods in processing but more of traditional. The study also showed that the women were faced with constraints like cultural marginalization over ownership of palm trees, scarcity of labour among the other constraints. In spite of these constraints, the women on the average generated fairly adequate revenue which enabled them to make meaningful contributions to rural development in areas of buildingof health centers, market stalls, and payment of school fees for their children among others. For greater contributions to rural development activities the following recommendations were made. Policy aimed at women empowerment towards economic development should address obnoxious cultural margmali7atlon meted out to women over ownership of palm trees. It was also recommended that Federal and State Governments, even Local Governments should encourage the processors by providing loans and credits to oil palm fruits processors, since lack of funds inhibits most processors from producing palm produce in greater quantities.