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Ex post evaluation of technology diffusion in the African palm oil sector: The Caltech expeller in Cameroon, Benin, and Liberia

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  • Bishop, Catherine P.

Abstract

This study is a post-project evaluation of three development projects promoting the same technology but implemented at three different times and locations over a period of thirty years, from 1984 to 2014. The technology in question is a small, portable palm oil expeller invented in Cameroon in the 1980 s. The technology was designed to increase the productivity of small farmers and create employment opportunities by increasing local capacity for small-scale palm oil processing. The expeller was subsequently promoted in Benin and Liberia over a period of nearly two decades. This evaluation is based on archival research of institutional records, data from impact surveys of technology users in all three countries during the project periods, and field research in Liberia in 2011 and 2013. The study analyzes and evaluates the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the expeller over the long term, comparatively, across a broad geographic area. In terms of social and economic impacts, the technology consistently increased incomes for farmers and small enterprises. The use of the technology altered relationships of production, particularly with regard to the role of women in palm oil processing and their control over resources. Environmental impacts of the technology are geographically dispersed and include increased water usage and pollution. Ultimately the technology in question has also contributed to political impacts over time by exacerbating conflicts between small farmers, palm oil corporations, and governments. This study confirms that comparative, longitudinal evaluation research can reveal important dimensions of development impacts.

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  • Bishop, Catherine P., 2018. "Ex post evaluation of technology diffusion in the African palm oil sector: The Caltech expeller in Cameroon, Benin, and Liberia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 233-243.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:112:y:2018:i:c:p:233-243
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2018.08.022
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hyman, Eric L., 1990. "An economic analysis of small-scale technologies for palm oil extraction in Central and West Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 18(3), pages 455-476, March.
    2. Feder, Gershon & Just, Richard E & Zilberman, David, 1985. "Adoption of Agricultural Innovations in Developing Countries: A Survey," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 33(2), pages 255-298, January.
    3. Herbert Rosen, 1977. "Technology transfer to developing nations," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 1(2), pages 93-104, September.
    4. Same Moukoudi, Teclaire & Geenen, Sara, 2015. "Discourses, fragmentation and coalitions: the case of Herakles Farms’ large-scale land deal in Cameroon," IOB Discussion Papers 2015.03, Universiteit Antwerpen, Institute of Development Policy (IOB).
    5. Anthony Bebbington, 2003. "Global networks and local developments: agendas for development geography," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 94(3), pages 297-309, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Abdul-Hamid, Asma-Qamaliah & Ali, Mohd Helmi & Osman, Lokhman Hakim & Tseng, Ming-Lang & Lim, Ming K., 2022. "Industry 4.0 quasi-effect between circular economy and sustainability: Palm oil industry," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 253(C).
    2. Simon Feeny & Gill Westhorp & Emma Williams, 2023. "Understanding sustainable outcomes in international development: Towards a realist evaluation framework," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 35(1), pages 21-42, January.

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