Coconut oil business needs support

Coconut, scientifically known  as Cocos nucifera,  is a big source of income for women at Agbozume in the Ketu South District in the Volta Region.

They grate the copra and use it to prepare virgin coconut oil. This activity had provided food security and livelihood to thousands of women in the area.

Mama Eziga, a 75-year-old coconut oil producer at "Agbozume-Tax  Conner", said the oil contributed to the country's economy and improved the livelihoods of rural dwellers. 

However, “we feel we are being neglected”, she said.

She stated that the demand for the product had shot up, as more and more people are now learning about the many health benefits of the oil.

“However, we have the capacity to compete with the international markets but the major barrier for us now is lack of exposure to the market and our weak financial status," she lamented.