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Abstract
This study examined the viability of prospective Jatropha based
firms vis–a-vis employment opportunities in Nigeria, specifically the
study identified the Jatropha bio-diesel and other allied products that
were been researched into in Nigeria, estimated the costs and returns
structure to Jatropha cultivation and the production of Jatropha
based products. For the study, small scale Jatropha based firms were
investigated. The results of the study revealed that Jatropha based
products manufactured include bio-diesel, Jatropha kernel cake
livestock feed, Jatropha ink pigment and dye, glycerine and Jatropha
seeds-coat cement sheet and floor tiles. All the various parts of the
Jatropha seeds are useful either for one or two of these products.
Jatropha cultivation, was shown to be very profitable. Among Jatropha
products, only the costs of the biodiesel Jatropha fuel is relative
expensive when compared with the common fossil diesel.
Based on the study findings, the study calls for the mobilisation of
the Nigerian farmers to cultivate Jatropha, Alongside training to
intimate the masses of the numerous products and benefits from
Jatropha is necessary. They should be trained to manufacture simple
Jatropha based necessities like those highlighted in the study. Market accessibility training to farmers and other stakeholders involved
should also be embedded in the training. There is also the need
to popularize the practicality of using Jatropha to produce these
products via workshops and seminars. It is also necessary to step-up
steps at introducing these products to the markets so as to enhance
the marketability and competitiveness of the Jatropha based firms.
Government and also other individuals and stake-holders need ensure
the availability of supporting infrastructures for these small holder
industries to thrive in the long-run.