OIL-PALM PRODUCTION IN EJIGBO COMMUNITY IN OSUN STATE, 19602000
By
CHRIS-OSHINIWE CHUKWUYEM
07/15CA037
1
A LONG ESSAY SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF ARTS, UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN,
ILORIN
CERTIFICATION
This dissertation has been read and approved meeting the requirements
for the award of Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons.). In History and
International Studies at the University of Ilorin.
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DEDICATION
This project work is dedicated to my all sufficient God the source of
all wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
And to my mother Mrs. S.E. Oshiniwe for your love and support,
financially, spiritually and morally, throughout my programme. Love you.
You’re the best
3
ACKNOWLEGEMENT
My appreciation goes to my project Supervisor in person of Dr. R.A.
Olaoye. And my Level Adviser Mr. Odei
My since appreciation also goes to my mother, Elder (Mrs.) S.E. Oshiniwe
for her parental care, love, encouragement throughout my programme. I
also thank my brother Pastor Anthony Oshiniwe and sister Anthonia
Oshiniwe and my dearest nephew Olabode Gold Alashi, you are indeed a
booster more grace to your elbow.
To my very good friends Bola Yetunde Akanbi, you are indeed a
great friend. And also Toye, Ali, Sola. To a wonderful friend Afolabi Saliu
thanks for your words of support and encouragement.
To my pastor, Pastor J.T. Aboyeji thanks for your prayers, the
fatherly advise, the Lord will continue to renew your strength. You’re
Great sir.
4
And lastly to all my classmates I love you all, but its too late to
unite, but be what you should and not what they want you to, reach out
your hands and touch the skies and you will get there.
5
TABLE OF CONTENT
TITLE ..
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i
CERTIFICATE
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DEDICATION
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iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
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CHAPTER ONE
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INTRODUCTION
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1.1
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
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1-2
1.2
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
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2-3
1.3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND PROBLEMS
3-4
1.4
LITERATURE REVIEW
1.5
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iv
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4-5
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
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5-7
1.6
CHAPTER ANALYSIS
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1.7
NOTES AND REFERENCES
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CHAPTER TWO
THE ORGANIZATION OF THE INDUSTRY
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2.1
THE LABOUR
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2.2
TECHNIQUES OF OIL PALM PROCESSING
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13-17
2.3
THE PRODUCT OF OIL PALM
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17-18
2.4
NOTES AND REFERENCES
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10-12
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CHAPTER THREE
MARKETING OF OIL PALM PRODUCT ..
3.1
THE LOCAL MARKET
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3.2
THE LONG DISTANCE MARKET ..
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3.3
PATRONAGE
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3.4
NOTES AND REFERENCES
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20-22
22-26
26-27
CHAPTER FOUR
THE VALUE OF THE PRODUCT
4.1
DOMESTIC USE
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29-31
4.2
EMPLOYEMENT
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31-32
4.3
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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33-34
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4.4
THE SOCIAL VALUE
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4.5
NOTES AND REFERENCES
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CONCLUSION
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BIBLIOGRAGPY
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34-35
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37-38
39-49
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY.
Indigenous arts in Nigeria are as old as time immemorial and
contemporary as yesterday. They are as old because they have got their history
back in antiquity and contemporary because they are still with us today. Often,
when technology is being talked about, the attention of many people first goes
to the advanced technologies in countries like Europe and America without
paying attention to the simple arts and crafts which emanated from Africa. This
research essay aims at pointing out that modern science and technology in
Europe today derived their origin from simple arts and crafts. There are
abundant of arts and crafts upon which, the traditional skills are based, but I
shall focus on oil-palm production with a view to stressing the fact that had long
been in existence in Africa as it was the case in developed countries like Britain
and America. It is aimed at bringing into limelight the technology involved in the
oil-palm production since the earliest times.
8
Oil-production had for a long time been an important phenomenon in
Nigeria localities. It developed with the people. Oil-palm takes great part and
parcel of the cooking of food, making of bath soaps, e.t.c. Its importance,
therefore cannot be over-emphasized. The research aims at showing the active
participation of indigenous people through the harnessing and utilization of local
materials and national resources. The essay will show that all the materials tools,
skills, and techniques used are locally available.
Furthermore, the study will show the various ways and systems by which
the oil-palm is being produced which vary from one locality to another based on
geographical environment and beliefs.
The study will further show that the oil-palm production has also been
useful in cooking of meals and making of bath soaps. It presents the various sites
of the community and also shows that Africans also engage in indigenous
occupation such as oil-palm production.
1.2
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The scope of this research is from the period 20 th century to 21st century.
The different methods used in the industry i.e, oil-palm industry in Ejigbo
community, Osun state. In this work also, attempt will be made at century prior
to the 21st century.
The researcher aims at showing the active participation of indigenous
people through the harnessing and utilization of local materials and natural
resources, and the different processing or processes used in the production of
9
the oil-palm. Also, the production of the palm kernel in general which is being
used for further production of other useful products.
Through the oil-palm industry, quite a lot of needs of people were met in
terms of local lamps which were used for illuminating in darkness. Oil-palm is
being put on the local lamp which is made of clay with cotton on it. Oil-palm is
used as medicine for treating ulcer and stomach-ache and cough for adults and
children. It shall be seen at the end that indigenous industries have their rightful
place in our local communities, abroad and areas where misconceptions are still
rampant that Africans are technologically backward. The study will further show
that oil-palm has also been useful by carpenters and wood workers to prevent
decaying.
1.3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND PROBLEM.
In writing this essay a number of works have been consulted with ranged
from secondary to primary sources. A good number of past essays and textbooks
were consulted. The bulk of this work depends mostly on oral interview. Also
contacted is the Ejigbo community library. Though, there is dearth of journals by
better Life Programme an arm of the local government. This publication,
however, gives less attention to oil palm industry in Ejigbo community and other
indigenous technology in the area.
Furthermore, the researcher interviewed a number of people in the town
who were major producers of oil palm in Ejigbo community. It is also important
10
to note that during the interview, the researcher usually asked of the age of the
owners of those oil palm industries.
It is from the information gathered from these various sources that the
researcher had finially attempted to present objective account of indigenous
technology in Ejigbo community, a study of oil palm industry since 1960-2000.
A work of this nature cannot be fully undertaken without some
constraints such as the unwillingness of the informants to gives information to
the researcher, because some of them thought that the interviews would be
used for tax assessment. In solving this problem, the informants had to be
convinced and englightened on the purpose of the interview before they could
pass some information to the researcher.
In spite of this, some still demanded for gifts before information could be given.
These limitations not withstanding, the researcher overcame such constraints
through determined efforts and repeated calls which had proved quite
successful for the study.
1.4
LITERATURE REVIEW.
Various people have appreciated the works of arts, especially, the
indigenous industry and have attempted to find out about its origin, its
technique and its development through researches. Its is for this purpose that
the present study had undertaken a review of the relevant literature on oil palm
industry in Ejigbo community. Books consulted are not only limited to works on
11
oil palm, but emphasis also placed on books written by scholars on social and
Economics developments of oil palm Industry.
Martin susan’s oil palm and protest discusses the demand and market for the
industry. Olufemi Ekundare’s
An economic History of Nigeria provides
information on the economic development of oil palm industry to the people
and even to Nigeria as a whole. Brouk B’s plant consumed by Man, helps to
butteress the fact that oil palm as a product is essential and very useful in the
society for domestic and some other uses, it also helps in the aspect of
patronage.
Also relevant is T.M Ilesanmi;s book titled, Ise Isenbaye. The book also is of help
to me especially in the area of production and technique. It was more clearer to
the reader without any problem.
1.5
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Ejigbo community is a major Yoruba town in Osun state of Nigeria. It is
about 40kilometers from Oshogbo, the capital of Osun state. The 1963 Nigerian
census estimated its population to be 46,000 with a landmass of 25square
kilometers. Populated to be 132,641 as at the 2006 cenus.
According to oral history, Ejigbo is an ancient settlement founded by
Akinjole Ogiyan, abbreviation of Ogiriniyan, right after the old Oyo. Ogiyan has a
rich pedigree been a descendant of Oduduwa and the ruling family of Ife.
Together with his brothers, particularly the Akire , the founder of Ikire-Ile, they
left Ile- Ile with Oranyan(oranmiyan),the founder of old oyo,to establish their
12
own towns. The fact that ogiyan, is from Ile-Ife is confirmed by Ejigbo Mekun’
the name of a market in Ile-Ife. Akinjole settled many other villages spread
around yorubaland. He is the paramount ruler and prescribed authority over
many, if not all of them.
The following towns and villages ,among others were under him, Ika,
igbon,olosin ologede,inisa, aato, ijimoba, afake , ilawo, inisa edoro, isundunrin,
olia,ado ori-oke,ayegunle, idigba, ibogunde, songbe, olorin osuntedo and iwata.
Around 1835, Ejigbo came under Ibadan, when the Ibadan army moved
to protect Osogbo from Ilorin invaders. In fact, detachments from Ejigbo assisted
the Ibadan army in the ijaye, jalimi, and kiriji wars between 1860 and 1866.
Ajayi ogboriefon, balogun and leader of the Ibadan army in the jalumi
war circa 1860 and 1878 was a native of Ejigbo from the Akala compound and his
mother, Alagbabi was the daughter of an ogiyan of Ejigbo. In 1934, when the
then government retioined to the terms of the 1893 treaty which recognized
Ibadan’s independence and gazettes the bale and divisional council of Ibadan as
an independent native authority, five district Obas including the ogiyan were
made members of the Divisional Council.
The traditional markets are the ones in the centre of the town, and few
others in some other quarters. There is now a traditional markets fixed for every
Saturdays as is the case in many Yoruba towns. It is situated at the centre of the
town, in front of the palace and it is also the most favored for night shopping and
other social activities.
13
In the past, it was used as recreational centre for the town, and
therefore, was attended by many who even had nothing to buy or sell.
Ejigbo did not escape foreign influence especially, the nineteenth century
events that permeated Nigeria. Its people and culture changed with the flow. For
example, many people have been converted to Islam and Christianity. The
Baptist, being the dominant Christian mission in the town, now has a number of
churches and it was through its efforts that the people of the town established
the first fully fledged secondary grammar school; the Ejigbo Baptist high school
followed the Asarudeen Grammer School. Ejigbo is tolerant of its diverse faiths.
This is demonstrated in the joint celebration annual Orisa Ogigan festival.
Although, there is no substantial evidence as to the exact date of the
origin of oil-palm industry in Ejigbo community, but oral evidence suggests that
the industry is as old as the emergence of the town around 14th century AD. But
Ejigbo community and its province have relatively nitrous land, there seems to
be enough food materials and farm produce which are being planted in large
scale. The palm tree of which so many materials are being got from such as
brooms which are meant for cleaning of the environment, palm wine, palm
kernel, to mention few is a very good example.
Moreover, oral evidence suggests that the availability of these products
by and large, made and encouraged the expansion of Ejigbo community market.
The market became expanded as a result of settlement in Ejigbo community by
14
people from far and near who participated in this flourishing business of buying
and selling of the product of these oil-palm industries.
These markets became avenues for heterogeneous population with
different cultural background. Therefore, availability of Ejigbo community, made
oil-palm industries a flourishing one in Ejigbo community to date.
1.6
CHAPTER ANALYSIS.
This research covers four chapters ranges from 1960 – 2000. The first
chapter deals with the aims and objectives of the study, scope of the study,
research methodology and problem, literature review and historical background
of the industry. While the second chapter deals with the organization of the
industry that is, the labour, techniques of oil palm processing, and the product of
oil palm. While chapter three entails the marketing of palm oil product, that is
the local market, the long distance market patronage. And the last chapter deals
with the value of the product such as the employment for the people, impacts
on local economic developments.
15
1.7
NOTES AND REFERENCES.
1.
Martins Susan Oil palm and protects Cambridge University,
1988.
2.
Brouk B, plants consumed by Man Academic press London 1975.
3.
Olusemi E. An Economic History of Nigeria London Methian
4.
Johnson.s. History of the yorubas, csc bookshop 1921
5.
Oral evidence, Mr Orija Rasheed, Ejigbo. Oil Palm Merchant
1973.
19/07/2010.
6.
Oral evidence, Mrs. Titilayo Aliu. Ejigbo Oil Palm Producer 19/07/2010.
7.
Oral evidence, Mrs. Alirat Amoo. 20/07/2010.
16
CHAPTER TWO.
THE ORGANISATION OF THE INDUSTRY.
2.1
Oil-palm production is an immensely labour intensive activity. The degree
of labour intensity depends on the type of oil to be produced. Clearly, the
growth in oil production in the 20th century requires greatly increased inputs of
labour to harvest palm fruits, to carry the fuel water required, to pound the nuts,
to head load or canoe the resulting oil to the market.
Labour is needed for planting and tending the trees and the clearing
away of undergrowth. The development of export production can be assumed
therefore to have important consequences for labour. To a certain extent, the
increase in labour utilization occurs through the up and hither to under utilize
labour capacity.
Labour is needed in the cultivation of land for palm trees. Oil-palm
production requires labour in other ways for transportation of oil-palm whether
by head loading or canoe is immensely labour intensive and this could have
increased in oil-palm exporting was accomplished by an increase use of labour.
17
In general, production of oil palm and palm kernels are exclusively female
industries in Ejigbo and most of the Yoruba land in the 20th century. But men
were responsible for the harvesting of fruits by climbing palms and cutting the
branches, while the process of nuts was undertaking by the women.
By the commercialization of the oil trade, it is the production process and
the disposal of the result is left entirely to women. With the growth in the 20th
century, expert male involvement in oil-production increased. During the 20th
century, male labours are increasingly used in the actual pounding of the nuts. At
the same time make right to the proceeds of the sale of oil were assorted.
Women are the bedrock of the society, without women there can be no society.
Generally, women take a lion share in economic activities. In particular, oil-palm
production in Ejigbo community is done exclusively by women.
It should be noted, that the reason males claim the profit of the sale of oil
were based on the fact that men usually preferred the harvesting of the fruits.
Though some of the palm fruits might be gleaned by collecting wind fall in the
Latin century. Most were harvested by cutting the branch of fruits from the tree,
a highly skilled and sometimes dangerous task. Most producers relied on their
own labour for this. Harvesting usually begins at the beginning of the rainy
season (February/March, May/June) with the exact start regulated by
community elders.
18
However, it can be said that women benefited at least indirectly from the
commercialization of oil palm, in the sense that the waste of the palm producing
process, the kernel began to be exported, increasing numbers and increasing
percentage of total palm products. The proceeds of accrued to women. They are
regarded as women’s perk and it is the women and children who dry the kernel
and crack them. Also, it is the increase in oil-palm production that leads to an
overall increase in labour demand on women. S oil processing is women’s work
in so far as the increase in production.
The researcher also found out the structure of the industry displayed two
main features; one, it was organized in term that men would bring down the
branch of the palm tree and the second one is done by the women in such a way
that after the bunch of palm kernel commonly referred to as ‘Odi Eyin’ in Ejigbo
community has been cut into pieces by the theory, the women will now continue
the job and finally turn it into oil-palm.
Moreso, there are two categories of labourers. Some are on full time
basis while some are on part-time basis. The full time labourers are actively
engaged in their schedule of duties and leisure and go about their trading
activities. Few of the people are traders in Ejigbo,
Sizeable of their population contracted much on the full courses of the industry
and make it as a
Proper day to day activities.
19
2.2
TECHNIQUES OF OIL-PALM PROCESSING
The aim of the production process is to remove the fleshy pericap from
the kernel of the palm nut and extract the oil from it. The processing of oil starts
right from the removal of the bunch of palm kernel also known as Odi Esyin in
Yoruba language, by the men who are called upon by the owners of the palm
kernel trees. These men are referred to as Alagbaaro.
After these men have removed the bunch of palm kernel from different
tress, usually up to eight to ten bunches from a tree, the bunches of palm kernel
will now be left for about three to four days so as to make it easy for those that
are going to remove the kernels to be very easy for them to loosen. It should be
known that before the removal of the palm kernel from the bunch, it must have
been cut down, that is the bunch into pieces.
Also, after the removal of these kernels the kernel will be put inside
baskets. It is now pertinent to state the different steps and processes which oilpalm is gotten. These processes are: Fermentation, pounding, boiling, matching
and skimming.
Fermentation
This is the process through which oil is gotten by leaving the palm kernel
in the sun for about three months so as to ferment to produce thick oil. The
20
palm kernels are usually kept in a pit or a heap covered in palm fronds an up
turned canoe and this is the easiest description of oil-palm production.
Fermentation could also be encouraged by throwing water on the fruits
and leaving it for a period of time, usually three months. Also, fruits are being
buried in a hole in the ground lined with plantain leaved covered by palm fronds
and these pits could be twelve feet in diameter and four feet deep. The duration
of fermentation determines the degree of difficulty involved in the rest of the
proves and the longer the fermentation the less pounding and boiling are
required but the harder the oil.
It should be noted here therefore that fermentation takes long period of
time.
Boiling
This is the process whereby the collected palm kernels are put in drums
with water filled to the brim and boiled on fire for hours. Some boil for three
hours and some boil for four hours. It should be noted that, before the process
takes place, the drum will be covered with plantain leaves so as to enable heats
ad the boiling process complete and effective. The boiling process also enables
the pericarp to be removed. After being boiled for these hours the drum will
now be put down from the fire and left to get cold. The boiled palm kernel will
now be poured into a stone paved shallow well also known as eku. Three to four
women depending on the largeness of this stone paved shadow well will now go
21
into the well and will match the kernel. The matching of the kernel by these
women is to remove shaft from the fruits well and the seed will be at the bottom
of the well which will be removed also. But at the surface of the well there is oil
and shaft of which will be removed also so as to boil the removed oil which will
be poured in buckets ail will be boiled later to extract oil. The fibre would be
boiled in water to remove impurities
Pounding
This is the process whereby the nuts are pounded in a mortar aped hole
made in the ground and pared at bottom with stone. The pounding operation is
sometimes affected with a large stone frequently with a wooden pestle when
this is furnished, the inner kernel are taken out and thrown away.
The
macerated pulp is placed in a country pot to simmer over the fire, after which
the oil is pressed out of it by no more potent agency than women hand.
Skimming
The skimming process of getting oil is whereby the kernel are boiled for
close to seven to eight hours so as to allow the oil to be at the surface and
during the boiling process, the oil at the surface will be removed from the
surface. This skimming process does entail long process and it does not take
long period of time before the oil is gotten.
22
Apart from all the stated ways and processes of getting or extracting oil
which are mostly the local method of getting oil by the people on daily basis
which takes more time energy and lots of hours and days, the researcher also
found that there is a modern method used In getting oil which entails the use of
machinery.
The use of machines as a modern means and method of extracting oil is a
very easy process and it makes processing of oil-palm bearable for the producer
on large form and this enhances the expansion of the production of oil-palm on
large quality and a good quality.
After the bunch of palm kernels have been brought from the trees, the
bunch will be cut down into pieces through the use of cutlasses or axes by the
male workers of the industry. These cut down pieces from the bunches will now
be put into a machine called the tracker machine which will separate the kernels
and the kernel will poured into a machine called boiler machine. The boiled
kernel will now be poured into the expeller.
The expeller machine will now remove the shaft from the fruit. After the
extraction, the machine will now take the shaft that is separated from the fruits
to the bits where the oil will be gotten. After the oil is gotten, it will now go into
a machine called the filter machine, it is the filter machine that will now go into
the tank and it is from this oil tank that oil-palm will be poured into drums and
kegs and sealed and ready for sale.
23
It should be noted that the use of machine in the production of a oil-palm
is a very fast means of getting pure oil and it does not require large number of
workers and energy. The input required is little although it is very expensive but
yet, it produces large amount of oil-palm in short period of time.
2.3
THE PRODUCT OF OIL-PALM
In stating the product of oil-palm, it is very important to note that even
when the oil-palm is extracted, the remnants gotten are also frequently used
and unnecessarily important in the sense that the bunches where the kernels are
gotten are used for making black soap (Ose Dudu) which is used for bathing.
Also, the shaft of the fruits (Esisi) is also used for making fire which is used for
cooking. The shaft can also be used for blocking holes so as to avoid erosion.
The palm kernel fruits after being cracked, the nut inside is being used for cream
which is also called Adi agbon in Ejigbo community and most of Yoruba land
which is used as cream for body. There is also a kind of black oil gotten from the
seed after grounding. This is also used as medicine for curing cough, stomach
pain and even ulcer.
The product of oil palm itself could be used in so many ways. Generally,
oil palm is used for cooking but there are other things that oil-palm can be used
for. Oil palm can be used for soap making machine lubrication and particularly
tinplate processing and as valuable glycerin.
24
Oil palm could also be bleached and turned to groundnut oil. It can be
used as grease in order to protect metals from rusting; it can be used in making
candles which are used for seeing in the dark as well as constituting one of the
items which traditional herbalists use in appeasing the gods. It can also be used
in making margarine or butter which is used for eating bread, yam and for
cooking also various foods. Lastly more importantly, oil-palm can be sold so as
to generate money which can be used for other purposes.
25
NOTES AND REFERENCES
1) Lynn Martin, Palm Oil Industry in Africa, Cambridge University Press,
1997, p.201
2) Martin Susan
3) Lynn Martin
4) Zeven A.C.
5) Martin Susan, Palm Oil and protest Cambridge, University Press 1988
p.83
6) Oral Evidence: Mr. Babatunde Owolade Oil-Palm Producer,
17/10/2010
7) Oral Evidence:
Mrs. Taurat Ebu Oil-Palm Producer, Ejigbo,
17/10/2010.
26
CHAPTER THREE
MARKETING OF PALM-OIL PRODUCT
3.1 THE LOCAL MARKET
From the researchers view, oil-palm industry has got a great
economic value in Ejigbo community with the result that over the years,
palm-oil has been a very marketable commodity. Right from the onset,
even during the period of trade by barter oil palm enjoyed a flourishing
market due mainly to the fact that man used it for engagement of their
daughters which will be asked for from the groom oil palm is very
necessary and essential in praying and on praying for the bride’s items.
Moreso, soap manufacturing industry needs oil palm in the
production of soap and by this, oil is demanded for in large quantity by
the local manufacturers or producers of soap. This is because soap is an
important item used in every home for washing dirty clothes, cleaning of
the environment and bathing generally. Because of the high demand of
soap by the people, increase in the demand of oil palm which increases
the sales of oil palm and creates more markets for the producers is
inevitable.
27
However, to be noted is the importance attached to oil palm in
Ejigbo community, other parts of the Yorubaland and generally, to every
tribe in Nigeria. In as much as every home needs to cook and in the
process of cooking oil palm is very necessary because it is used to
enhance the fire for the food to get done easily. Also, oil palm can also
be added to the food so as to give it a good taste and a good look.
In addition, since everybody needs food for substance, oil palm is
needed in the process of cooking and of which is on high demand. Since
it is locally produced in Ejigbo, it is relatively cheap and this makes more
people to go for it. It can be added that during the early and mid-1900s,
the pieces of oil palm ranged from 3k-5k, which made more people to go
for it. But, as time went by, it increased from 10k-20k and consequently
to N10, N25. Although, the increase did not prevent people from buying,
because oil palm is very important. But today, a bottle of oil palm which
is measured with a bottle of schnapps goes for N240 and the tin
measured one goes for N60. With these increases, people still demand
for oil in the market.
For instance, the market gained prominence and it was at this
market that majority of the oil palm produced in different localities are
been taken to because of its central location in the heart of the town and
this is where oil palm is been sold.
28
It should be noted therefore, that since the importance of oil
palm is not that common like that of vegetable oil in Nigeria, people tend
to go for the locally made palm oil in the sense that since it is locally
made, it is cheaper and can be bought anywhere sand at any moment. In
other words, it is affordable, readily available and nourishing.
3.1
THE LONG DISTANCE MARKET
The long distance market for the oil palm industry in the
nineteenth century is indeed very significant. In some areas like Lagos,
palm was being sold by Ejigbo oil palm producers and sellers. It should be
added that the price the trader from Lagos would be given a little higher
than that given to the Ejigbo people. Buyers from Lagos in spite of the
price make their gains as they know the price they will be selling it in
Lagos will be at higher than the cost price. Buyers from Lagos, therefore,
tend to buy more oil palm from Ejigbo so as to gain more.
Apart from buyers from Lagos, there are also buyers from Bida,
Iwo, Jebba and as far as Kano, Kaduna, Kastina and other areas in the
north who buy oil palm on a large scale and of good quality. This good
quality of Ejigbo oil palm notes the demand of oil palm to increase on
large scale and which also creates more and large markets for oil palm in
Ejigbo and its environs.
29
It can also be added that the industry has greatly expanded to
capture both Northern and Southern markets in Nigeria. However, in
another accounts, it has been remarked that Ejigbo among all other oil
palm producing towns in Nigeria may have been prominent. Oil palm
was gotten and sent abroad for further processing and for the production
of their products like lubricant, candles, soaps and so many other goods
which oil palm will be used for.
In addition to the British demand for oil in the early nineteenth
century which had its origin in changes in the consumption of oil palm in
Britain, it can be seen in the first half of the nineteenth century when oil
palm was used in the manufacturing of candles and soaps and even as a
lubricant for machinery, particularly railway. Stock and as a flux in the
manufacture of tinplate.
Specifically, technological improvement stimulated increase
demand for oil palm in the mid 1830’s a new technique for bleaching, oil
palm enables it to be used more intensively in the manufacture of soap.
Similarly, in the early 1840s, prices of patent candle began to utilize a
method first developed in France a decade earlier to manufacture stearic
candles using oil palm to give a much brighter light than hither to. With
the new strearic candles there was an increased demand for oil palm, this
was further stimulated by the abolition of the candle duties in the early
30
1830s.
Similarly, with the spread of industrialization, there was an
increasing need for lubrication. Not least in the development was the
role of oil palm as a major component of wagon axle grease during the
great age of railway building in the early 19th century.
It should be noted as at 1840s and 1880s, that there was increase
in the demand of oil by the Europeans. Initially, oil palm was being
produced in the Igbo central and southern Igbo land-Onitsha Afikpo and
Niger Delta area. It around this time, oil production for export began to
increase significantly among the Yoruba of what is now Southern Yoruba
land was source of the best quality oil produced in the region and indeed,
the Yoruba were seen to revival the Igbo producers of oil palm.
Initially, it was western Yorubaland, particularly, the Egba State of
Abeokuta founded beside the river ogun around 1830 which participated
in the export of oil palm transporting it via Otta to Badagry and by lagoon
to Portonovo.
By 1856, the Egba were said to be producing 15,000 tons of oil a
year. Other areas to the west and south of Yoruba land such as Egbado
soon followed. Ibadan also began to produce oil to export in this period,
collecting tributes from its expending empire in the form of oil. By the
1856s Ibadan farmers were pushing to north and east of the city into the
basin of the Ogbose and Ondo rivers to take overland for cultivating oil
31
palms. By 1892, it was claimed there were some 15 million palm trees in
Yoruba land being used to produce oil export of which Ejigbo was not left
out.
By this, it can be added that the history of Nigeria generally in the
past independence era cannot be told without proper ration oil palm.
Nigeria in general, used to be the largest producer of palm oil in the
sixties and early seventies. And it is worthy of note to state that the
largest producer in the world at the moment which is Malaysia learnt
how to cultivate the oil palm seeding from Nigeria.
Equally to note the role of the middlemen, the dealers in Ejigbo
palm oil industry had played active roles in expanding the network of the
trade. In a bid to maximize profit margin, the two groups had in the
course of commercial activities created wide areas of local and foreign
markets for the products by the opening decades of the 19 th century.
The long distance market has extended greatly even to the
outside world of which palm oil is being asked for in large quantity and
the higher the demand the higher the production of palm oil. The
middlemen and intermediaries between the local producers and the
people from the outside world have also extensively expanded the
market of the products widely. The issue of profit cannot be excluded of
which buyers and sellers of palm oil are gainers.
32
3.3.
PATRONAGE
The fact still remains that, since the product of palm oil is
produced locally, it is being appreciated by the people and most of the
time; palm oil is being asked for and demanded for. The fact that it is
being produced widely in some parts in the south. The probability of it
getting to every end through availability, for export, makes it much
important and more demanded for.
It can also be said that since palm oil is an important product in
every part of Nigeria and outside Nigeria, it must definitely have market
for it and where it can be bought on a small and large scale. And as said
above that Nigeria used to be the highest palm oil producer in the world,
definitely there must have been some patronage locally which is obvious
to the outside world. And since palm oil is an important product which
can further produce or be used in producing other products,
automatically, there must be a demand for it.
For example, a soap making industry in and outside the country
will need a large quality of palm oil in the making of soap and by this a
market is being looked for where palm oil is being produced in order to
buy it in large quantity. People making and selling palm oil will be
consulted of which trade will take place.
33
Moreso, the demand for palm oil makes it important for the seller
and producer to produce more and sell more through patronage. Apart
from this people with the commodity also demand for palm oil because
most of the people use it for cooking and because of it being produced
locally, it is cheaper and makes more people to demand for it instead of
the imported ones which are not cheap in comparison to the locally
made one.
By this, it should be noted that the patronage of palm oil is very
high be at locally or foreign.
NOTE AND REFRENCES
34
1. Lynn Martin, Commerce and Economic Change in West Africa
on palm oil Trade, Cambridge University Press 1997. P. 282.
2. Dalziel J.M. The useful plants of west tropical Africa Crown Agent for
overseas government and administration, London, 1937. P. 102
3. Olufemi Ekudara: An Economic History of Nigeria, London Methvan,
1973. P.85
4. Lynn Martin opcit p. 282
5. Brouk B. Plants consumed by man academic press London 1978.
P.58.
6. Oral evidences Mr. Waheed Balogun oil merchant Ejigbo, 13/1/2011
7. Oral evidence Alhaja Mulikat Aminu Oil producer Ejigbo, 13/1/2011
8. Oral evidence Alhaja Mulikat Trader, Ejigbo 22/1/2011
9. Oral evidence Mrs. Ajara Idiaro Trader, Ejigbo
CHAPTER FOUR
THE VALUE OF THE PRODUCT
4.1
DOMESTIC USE
35
The domestic use of palm oil can also be seen in the use of local lamps
which is used for illuminating in darkness. Palm oil is been put on the local lamp
which is made of clay with a cotton like thing in it; this is where the fire will put
and it is the palm oil which will make the light to burn, for it to stay longer.
Palm oil is used as medicine, it is used for treating cough for adults and
children, it is also used in treating wider and stomach ache, palm oil is also used
as medicine for animal like goat, sheep, cat and lots more. If there is any injury
on the foot of man cause by nail or any sharp objects, palm oil is used in treating
it, by putting palm oil on a very hot knife or stone which the hot substance (palm
oil) will be poured on the injured part. This will be done for three consecutive
days so as to allow the wound to be healed.
Palm oil is also an important item used by traditional
and traditional worshippers in appeasing their gods
during festival
period. It can be used on a daily basis; depending on how the
and herbalist want it some use it everyday in appealing
(god of iron), Sango (god of thunder)
and
herbalists
worshippers
the gods such as Esu, Ogun
host of others.
Palm oil is also part of the items used in paying tributes by some towns to
their superior towns. Palm oil as a product, can also be used as an item in
settling debts.2
It is also a valuable product used by carpenters and wood workers to
prevent their tools from decaying and also to protect the wood against any
36
destructive insects such as termites. Palm oil also prevents the nail made of
metal against rusting. Palm oil can also be used as lubricant for medicine and
also as grease3
Apart from its domestic use, it can be used in making candles. When
bleached, it can be used for vegetable oil or groundnut oil by some industries
with further processes.
It can also be used in the making of butter and
margarine which can be used in different ways either for eating bread, baking or
eating yam and host of other uses.
With all these uses it can be added that palm oil as a product can be sold
for money which can further be used on the payment, settling of debts and
buying of some other needed things by men. The money gotten from the sales
can further be used in paying of school fees, house rent and some other relevant
things which money can be used for.
By this, palm oil as an essential and important product use in every
houses in Ejigbo and Nigeria s a whole is a product use or a daily basis for
different and in various forms which is good for domestic use and can also be
used in some other industries. It can be added that palm oil is very important to
Yoruba, who make use of all part of the palm tree. The prond for roofing, the
mode rits of the frond for baskets and fish traps and the mid robes of the leaflet
are bound together to make brooms for sweeping. The leaves also to symbolize
ogun the god of iron. The trunk is used to make rafter and for fencing and
37
bredging5. The large apical beed, or the mace unforescence (aran in Yoruba)
may be lapped for palm wine and female yield fruits from which two kinds of oil
palm kernel and palm oil are extracted 6.
4.2
EMPLOYMENT
Employment can be described as the creation of job opportunities for the
people who are able and ready to work, help people to have means of sustaining
their livelihood and increasing their standard of living. In as much as there is
employment, a given amount will be given at every end of a particular period of
the employed which can serve other purposes or mean
It should be remembered that during the process and technique of palm
oil; it is required that the palm tree will be mounted and this is being done by
men which were employed are and employed to do so by the owners and
producers of palm oil industry. The employed people are given the chance to
work and this creates job opportunity for the people.
Apart from the men cutting down these bunches of palm kernel, jobs are
also created for those that will pick the palm kernel which have fallen from the
trees separately and these are usually done by young people usually primary and
secondary school children or even those that do not go to school. After this
there will be a reward which entices them to come back and by this, it has some
parent in large spending in the sense that the money collected by this young
38
people will be given to their mother which could help then in reducing their
spending.
Also, it provides employment for the school leavers who are unable to
secure jobs and this prevent the society from series of social ills by absorbing
majority of people into the palm oil processing. Palm oil industry in Ejigbo also
creates employment opportunity to the people of the community. In as much as
the production of palm oil involves division of labour which makes work fast
entails large number of people which the industry is able to employ large
number of people to the industry, and with this employment it reduces the
number of the unemployed in Ejigbo.
Apart from the people employed in the production of palm oil, it can also
be added that after the product of palm oil, there are some other people who
are called upon to put the oil in drums and keys which will be taken to the
market for sales. These, also provide job opportunity for the people, thereby
reducing the largest number as the unemployed.
4.3
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
39
The palm oil industry in Ejigbo has contributed largely to the economic
development of the community and the whole society at large. It should be
noted that at the early stage of this research, researchers the industry and it is
therefore without any hesitation to stable or say that the industry involves and
requires a large number of people in it processes thereby people are being
gainfully employed and paid for, which gives so many people in Ejigbo the
opportunities for the people and still create job opportunities for the people of
Ejigbo and its environ till date. Also due to the fact of creation of employment
for the people, there had been the existence of increase in standard of living of
the people of which money are being given everyday and at times every month
at the end of every production 10.
It can be added that the industry had aided trade which is the Buying and
Selling of goods and outside Ejigbo which Ejigbo people participated in it
delighted. This takes place at the center of Ejigbo which is the major market,
where people of different ethnic and background patronage. For example,
people from Bida, Kano and Niger State to mention but a few come to this major
market in Ejigbo to buy oil in large quantity.
In further to this economic
development of the palm oil industry, so many cooperative associations have
sprang up which have helped the producers in so many ways for example
members of this association are being helped if there is any problem, it helps
members also not to lack equipments in the sense that fund are being raised to
helps members and members are really committed to help one another. More
40
so, the industry has contributed to the economic development of Ejigbo in the
sense that the fund generated by the traders are being made to build markers
and also to clean the environment of the market.
The restructuring and the cleaning of the market centers have attracted
large number of buyers from outside which has increased production and make
their sellers and producers to gain more profits which also expand the increase
producers number, it also increase their fund in their association and which also
improves their skills of production.
It is equally important to note that hardly would a Nigerian pass a day
without consuming palm oil in one way or the other directly or indirectly.
Therefore, it makes it important for the producers of palm oil to produce more
for daily consumption of the people in general which will also increase their
income which will contributes to the community, societal and economic
development as a whole.
4.4.
THE SOCIAL VALUE
The production of palm oil is very important and valuable to the whole
society at large because every household consume palm oil directly or indirectly.
Some people make use of palm oil for domestic use, which is very important for
cooking food and soup. Hardly would a home do without palm oil, this make the
producer in Yorubaland significant one because as said earlier hardly would a
home and woman do without palm oil in their cooking hence, it is being highly
41
demanded for by the society are large and this also gives a social value and it is
being asked for by all even during ceremonies, it is part of the items that will first
be bought.
Oil Palm also has a solid value in the sense that it can be used as further
production of some other goods and products which is being generally asked for
by the society and makes it demand to the high and because of the high demand
in the society it makes the products to form an association which makes them to
gather at a particular time to discuss on issues and matter arising. Even, this
association gives some producers the opportunity to raise problems of thesis of
which the association will be looked into and gives members equal sight and
makes them to unite in the sense that everybody is equal and will be treated
accordingly.
Moreso, this association is like social gathering which gives each
producers and marketers sense of belonging. They can even go as far as giving
loans to members which help them in their activities and this makes lots of
producers and marketers to join this type of association because money is
always being raised for the development of the society and many at times they
help the community if there is any problem or need for fund.
NOTES AND REFERENCES
1. Bronk, B plants consumed by man academic press London, 1975, p. 644
42
2. Mecllasoi’s. The development of indigenous Trade and Markets in West Africa
Longman group Ltd. 1971 p.104
3. Sowumu, M.A. The Beginning of Agriculture in West African. Botanical evidence
Culrvon Antol Ltd. 1983. 1
4. Laven, A.C. The origin of the oil palm Grana Palynology. Oil Ltd. 1964. P.64
5. Nzen, O. Palm Oil industry in Nigeria. Longman Group Ltd, 1970. P.90
6. Ajayi, J.F. History of West Africa Vol. 2 Longman Group Ltd., 1974. P.93
CONCLUSION
43
This work has attempted a study of the indigenous technology in Ejigbo,
Osun State. Study of palm oil industry 1960-2000. In the course of discussion, the
researcher has brought into limelight the oil palm industry in Ejigbo as an
indigenous technology.
The organizational structures of the industry were
highlighted and the process of the industry. The traditional methods of the
processing of oil palm is although labour intensive and time consuming, but till
date indigenous people of Ejigbo still use the old method. The modern ways of
making oil palm is less labour intensive and less time consuming, but requires
large amount of capital which send most of the indigenous and local producers
of oil always from the modern method. It could still be observed that the
traditional method was practiced and still in practiced up to date.
In the research, marketing on both local and long distance were
explained with the patronage which involves the demand and supply of the
product oil palm. Also, the value of the product was also explained which
showed and treated domestic use and how the product created employment for
the people of Ejigbo and its environs, it also showed the impact of the industry
on economic development of Ejigbo and the social value.
In fact, oil palm industry as an occupation in Ejigbo community serves as
one of the important occupation in which most people in Ejigbo community
generated their income and it was through the selling of oil palm that many
people specifically producers and traders were able to finance their academic
44
programmes, building houses and all other social amenities which increases their
standard of living.
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A PRIMARY SOURCE
45
ORAL INTERVIEW
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INFORMATION
AGE
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1
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47
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2
Adewale Omoyeni
65
Oil Merchant
30/09/2010
3
Azeez Adewale
47
Trader
30/09/2010
4
Mr. Bello
53
Oil Palm Seller
20/07/2010
5
Mr. Kolapo Oyeleke
49
Farmer
11/3/2011
6
Mr.Olumode
54
Oil Merchant
2/2/2011
7
Sunday Oladipo
40
Oil Producer
2/2/2011
8
Mrs. Raliat
45
Oil Seller
19/07/2010
B.
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Ajayi, J.F.A. (1974): The History of West Africa vol. 2 Longman Group Ltd.
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Region South West Nigerian Cambridge, University Press.
Sowumi, M.A. (1983): The Beginning of Agriculture in West Africa, Botanical
Evidence. Current Anthoropology Ltd.
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oversea government and Administration London.
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Bronk, B. plants consumed by man, Academic press London, 1975, p. 64.
Mallasou’s The Development of Indigenous Trade and Markets in West Africa
Longman group ltd 1971 p. 104.
Laven, AC. The origin of the Oil Palm Grana Palynology. Oil ltd 1964. p.64.
Olufemi Ekudara: An Economic History of Nigeria London Methvan, 1973 p.85
Lynn Martin: Commerce and Economic chance in West Africa on palm oil trade,
Cambrdge University Press, 1997. p. 282
Olasemi, E: An Economic History of Nigeria London Methvan, 1973.
47