An Assessment of Innovation Capability of Artisanal Fabricators of Oil Palm Fruit Processing Machines in Nigeria

This study assessed the innovation capability of artisanal fabricators of oil palm fruit processing machines in Nigeria with a view to developing policy mechanisms that will improve the quality of machines produced in the sector. The study was conducted in six States in Nigeria based on oil palm fruits production propensity. They are; Osun, Ondo, Kogi, Edo, Akwa-Ibom, and, Imo. Using appropriate research methods, the study revealed that the fabricators agreed (on a five-point Likert scale) that number of years spent learning machine fabrication (mean rating 4.3) and availability of training opportunities for fabricators (4.01) influenced the innovation capability of the artisans. The respondents also agreed that technical education (3.70), conducive and safe working environment (4.10), state of equipment and tools (4.4) and access to machine fabrication information (3.67) were other factors that enhanced innovation capability of the artisans. The respondents however, strongly agreed (4.5) that the availability of newly developed fabrication technology in the industry influenced innovation capability. The study concluded that attention should be given to enhanced technical training of the artisans and that efforts should be made to equip them with the latest and modern methods of fabrication. This may bring about standardization of the machines fabricated in the sector.