Oil palm production remains one of the most important agricultural and socio-economic activities in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Despite its significant contribution to household income, employment generation, food security, and rural livelihoods, the sector continues to face numerous production and institutional challenges that hinder its growth and sustainability. This study examined the major challenges affecting oil palm production in Oruk Anam Local Government Area with emphasis on labour constraints, inadequate access to fertilizer, aging oil palm plantations, poor processing facilities, and infrastructural deficiencies. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, field observations, and Focus Group Discussions administered to 369 respondents selected through a multi-stage sampling technique across nine oil palm-producing communities. Descriptive statistical techniques such as frequency tables and percentages were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that oil palm production remains widespread across all the communities, with participation rates ranging from 65% to 90%. However, major challenges identified include poor access to fertilizers, inadequate capital, aging palm trees, high labour costs, inefficient palm mills, poor road infrastructure, and limited access to modern processing equipment. The study further revealed that communities with better infrastructure and access to support services recorded relatively higher productivity and better processing conditions. The study concludes that oil palm production in Oruk Anam possesses enormous potential for socio-economic development, but this potential is constrained by technological, financial, infrastructural, and institutional limitations. The study recommends increased government intervention through credit provision, rehabilitation of rural roads, modernization of processing facilities, and training programmes for farmers to enhance productivity and sustainable development in the study area. 

Keywords: Oil Palm Production, Socio-Economic Development, Rural Livelihoods, Agricultural Challenges, Smallholder Farmers, Oruk Anam, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.