Structural Analysis of Locally Fabricated Hand-Operated Oil Press for Small-Scale Palm Oil Production in Akwa Ibom State

Palm oil production constitutes a significant livelihood activity for smallholder farmers across the South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, yet access to affordable and efficient processing equipment remains limited. This study conducts a structural and functional analysis of a locally fabricated hand-operated screw press designed for small-scale palm oil extraction in Akwa Ibom State. The press was fabricated using mild steel sections sourced from local markets, and its structural components were analysed using static load calculations to verify safety under maximum operating loads. Material properties including yield strength, tensile strength, and hardness were determined through laboratory tests, and the results were compared against design requirements. Operational tests were conducted using fresh palm fruit bunches obtained from farms in Uyo and Eket local government areas, with extraction efficiency and oil yield measured across three pressing cycles. The study found that the fabricated press achieved an oil extraction efficiency of approximately 78 percent at maximum applied torque, comparing favourably with imported manual presses. Structural analysis confirmed that all critical members operated within safe stress limits, with a minimum factor of safety of 2.1 recorded at the screw shaft. The cost of fabrication was estimated at 45,000 naira, representing a significant saving over imported equivalents. The findings support the case for promoting locally fabricated agricultural processing equipment as a strategy for rural industrialisation. Keywords: screw press, palm oil extraction, structural analysis, Akwa Ibom, small-scale fabrication.