This paper examines the impact of women on palm oil production in Ogbadibo Local Government Area from 1960-2000. The paper highlights the various contributions women have made that boosted palm oil production in the area ranging from socio-economic to cultural contributions. The paper makes use of written sources largely and a few oral sources to gather relevant information for the discussions. Among the major findings made in the study, the work notes that, palm oil production created job opportunities for many people including women and men. It also served as an item for marriage ceremony among other cultural celebrations. In conclusion, the paper observes that, despite the significant role of women to promoting palm oil production in the area, their contribution has not been recognized and that women faced quite a number of challenges in the process of participating in palm oil production including lack of capital for the business and gender discrimination.

For these challenges to be addressed, the paper recommends the involvement of stakeholders including government to empower women to maximally contribute to the development of palm oil industry in the area.

Keywords: Palm oil, Production, Women. Gender