Up-scaling Social Innovations: The Eku and Implications for Enhancing Small-scale Palm Oil Production in Nigeria

Abstract

The dearth of adoption of processing technologies by small-scale palm oil processors in Nigeria has resulted in poor quality of output and low extraction rates. This chapter proposes that improved versions of the Eku, a community-based social innovation which enables the sharing of palm oil processing facilities can be up-scaled and diffused in the sector to improve the technological base of small-scale palm oil production in Nigeria. A framework, which emphasises removing constraints to the practicality and efficiency of social innovations with institutional and funding measures to create a prototype that will be up-scaled and diffused, is developed. The study reveals that only one of five unit operations of small-scale palm oil production is totally mechanised in the Eku and constraints affecting full mechanisation of all unit operations in the Eku include lack of awareness and funds to adopt processing technologies. The chapter recommends equipping prototype Ekus with innovations for all the un-mechanised stages of palm oil production and suggests its up-scaling and diffusion in the sector through small-scale entrepreneurs. The study concludes that the diffusion of the prototype versions of the Eku can enhance the diffusion of technological innovations in the sector.

Suggested citation

Olawale Adejuwon , Waheed Oladele , Tomilola Oguntunde (2024). Up-scaling Social Innovations: The Eku and Implications for Enhancing Small-scale Palm Oil Production in Nigeria Koozakar Festscrift, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.69798/k1480261

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