Effects of Raw Materials Sourcing and Processing Activities on Food (Palm Oil) Security in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The recent activities of palm oil scavengers (middlemen) who drop palm oil rubbers (package materials) around mills and markets have called for a deep concern. This is because the quantity of palm oil sent out of the State has caused high level of palm oil insecurity. Thus, this study examined the effect of value chain management activities on food (palm oil) security in Akwa Ibom State. Raw material sourcing, and processing activities were used as proxies for value chain management activities. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised all palm oil producers/ processors, distributors and consumers in Akwa Ibom State. The sample size of the study was determined with Trenund and William’s model to select 324 respondents (162 palm oil producers/ processors, distributors and 162 consumers). Primary data obtained directly from administration of structured questionnaire to respondents were used for the study. The data were tested with simple linear regression analysis model. The result revealed that, there is a positive and significant effect of raw material sourcing on availability of palm oil to households. And, there is significant effect of processing activities on the affordability of palm oil by households. In conclusion, value chain management activities play an important role in determining the availability and affordability of palm oil by households. The researcher recommended that palm oil producers and processors should strengthen their sourcing systems by establishing reliable relationships with oil palm farmers and ensuring timely procurement of fresh fruit bunches.