This study examined oil palm production and socio-economic development in Oruk Anam Local Government Area with emphasis on the contributions of palm oil activities to household livelihoods, employment generation, rural development, and local economic sustainability. The study adopted a survey research design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, observations, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) conducted among 369 respondents selected through a multi-stage sampling technique across nine communities in the study area. Findings revealed that oil palm production remains a major source of livelihood, income generation, and food security among households in Oruk Anam. Palm oil accounted for the highest proportion of household income and daily consumption across the sampled communities, while by-products such as palm kernel oil, palm fronds, chaff, palm wine, and firewood contributed significantly to household welfare, small-scale enterprises, and energy supply. The study further revealed that communities with better access to farmland, modern processing techniques, labour, and transportation infrastructure recorded higher productivity and profitability levels. However, the sector continues to face several challenges including poor road networks, inadequate access to credit facilities, obsolete processing equipment, labour shortages, environmental concerns, and limited technological innovation. The study concludes that oil palm production is a critical driver of socio-economic development in Oruk Anam, but its full developmental potential is constrained by infrastructural and institutional limitations. The study recommends increased government investment in rural infrastructure, modernization of processing facilities, cooperative development, access to credit, and continuous training for oil palm farmers and processors to improve productivity and ensure sustainable rural development.

Keywords: Oil Palm Production; Socio-Economic Development; Rural Livelihoods; Palm Oil Value Chain; Oruk Anam; Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.