This study examined the effect of occupational hazards on the technical efficiencies of oil palm processors in Edo State. A multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting 210 oil palm processors in the study area. Data were analyzed using percentages, frequencies, Occupational Hazard Indices and Stochastic Frontier Production Analysis (SFPA). Results revealed that 79%, 90.5% and 80.5% of the processors were male, married and educated respectively. Also, the mean age, processing experience and household size were 42 years, 15 years and 7 persons respectively. The most prevalent occupational hazards experienced were smoke irritation (100%), presser injury (94.3%) and spikelet injury (83.8%). The occupational hazards indices computed were, lost time rate, incidence rate and severity rate with values of 15.85, 23.77 and 2.4 respectively. SFPA revealed that the mean technical efficiency of the oil palm processors was 0.75. Furthermore, palm fruits (β = 0.662, p<0.01), the volume of water used (β = 0.180, p<0.05) and labor in man-day (β = 0.415, p<0.01) increased the production of palm oil. Also, processing experience (β = -0.110, p<0.05),), loss time rate (β = 0.087, p<0.05), incidence rate (β = 0.03, p<0.1), and severity rate (β = -0.098, p<0.01), decreased technical efficiency. The study concluded that occupational hazards had a negative influence on the technical efficiency of oil palm processors. The study recommended that stakeholders in oil palm processing should create health awareness and consistently research occupational hazards peculiar to oil palm processing as well as safety practices to enhance technical efficiency.

The relationship between health status and technical efficiency cannot be over-emphasized although most researchers in the past have failed to recognize the possibility of an existing relationship between these variables. This study examined the cost implication of illnesses and their effect on the technical efficiency of oil palm processors in Edo State. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 210 oil palm fruit processors in the study area. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, Cost-of-Illness estimation and Stochastic Production Frontier Analysis (SPF). Results revealed that the major illnesses experienced by the processors were malaria (100.0%), cough and catarrh (100.0%), back pain (98.8%), skin rash (78.9%) and nausea (76.6%). The estimated cost of illness was N165,338.80 with total time cost contributing 97.02% of this value for the period under consideration. SPF revealed that the mean technical efficiency of the oil palm processors was 0.75. Furthermore, palm fruits (β = 0.662, p<0.01), the volume of water used (β = 0.180, p<0.05), labor (β = 0.415, p<0.01) and processing experience (β = -0.110, p<0.05) increased the production of palm oil, while days of incapacitation (β = 0.445, p<0.01) increased technical inefficiency. The study concluded that illnesses had a negative influence on the technical efficiency of oil palm processors. The study recommended that stakeholders should create awareness of a healthy lifestyle and practical ways to maintain good health while ensuring continuous production.

The observation that there is far more quantity of poultry waste than can be managed by land disposal being produced yearly suggests the obvious problem of poultry waste management. This scenario offers great opportunities for organic farming and bio-energy generation in Nigeria. Hence, this study examined the economic contribution of fecal waste to the profitability of poultry farmers in Delta State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling process was used to select the 123 poultry farmers for this study. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, profitability ratios and the Stochastic Frontier Profit Function model. The Gross Margin analysis gave a value of ₦5,771,437.10 and a Net Farm Income of ₦1,960.18 per bird. The profitability ratios showed a Profitability Index of 0.86, a Rate of Return on Investment of about 19.25%, and a Return per Naira Invested (RNI) of ₦0.23. From the Stochastic Frontier Profit Function analysis, veterinary cost and cost of labor for fecal waste management had a significant positive effect on profit efficiency. The cost of birds and depreciation on fixed input had a significant negative effect on profit efficiency. Age and cooperative membership of layer farmers were significant socioeconomic factors positively influencing profit inefficiency. While education and household size were shown to negatively influence profit inefficiency. It was therefore concluded that farmers should focus on improved quality feed either self-compounded or purchased and better emolument for their workers as these positively influenced their profit. They should also be enlightened on the huge benefit of fecal wastes-to-biogas-electricity technology.