TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF OIL PALM INDUSTRY IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated the relationship between technological innovation and the development of the oil palm industry in Edo State, Nigeria, with particular emphasis on perceived production capacity. Specifically, the study examined the effects of genetic engineering, biotechnology, and advanced palm oil refining technologies on the perceived production capacity of the oil palm industry. A survey research design was adopted. Using Taro Yamane’s formula, a sample size of 385 was determined from a study population of 10,070 comprising smallholder farmers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers in Edo State. A total of 385 questionnaires were administered, while 384 valid responses were analyzed, representing a response rate of 99.7%. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The findings revealed that genetic engineering had a significant positive effect on perceived production capacity (R² = .412, B = 0.78, β = .642, t = 17.62, p < .001). Biotechnology also significantly predicted perceived production capacity (R² = .349, B = 0.71, β = .591, t = 15.39, p < .001), while advanced palm oil refining technologies had a significant positive effect on perceived production capacity (R² = .318, B = 0.69, β = .564, t = 14.38, p < .001). The joint regression result further showed that genetic engineering, biotechnology, and advanced palm oil refining technologies collectively had a significant positive effect on perceived production capacity (R² = .569, Adjusted R² = .566, F(3, 380) = 196.77, p < .001). The study concludes that technological innovation is a critical driver of oil palm industry development in Edo State. It recommends that policymakers, research institutions, and industry stakeholders should promote the adoption of improved oil palm varieties, biotechnology-based production methods, and modern refining technologies to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and sustainable development of the oil palm industry