Women of Ebamut village, Bangem Sub Division of Kupe Muanenguba Division, South West Region, have showcased exceptional skills in their traditional palm oil milling method.
The event took place on October 17, 2025, on the highlights of the celebration of the 30th edition of the International Rural Women’s Day, organized in Ebamut zone by the Sub Divisional Delegation of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Bangem.
The occasion was marked with an excursion to the Mormuah River palm oil production site, located at Bwah-Mueho, Ebamut, where women showcased their exceptional skills in traditional palm oil milling.
The women, led by the President of Ebamut Women Meeting, Mbange Christina Ebene, demonstrated their expertise in extracting palm oil using traditional methods passed down from their ancestors.
According to Mbange, Ebamut village is renowned for producing the best palm oil in Bangem Sub Division.
She narrated that the traditional palm oil milling process involves harvesting palm fruit bunches from palm trees, separating the nuts from the bunches, cooking the palm nuts, and pounding them in a locally constructed mill in the river.
Mbange added that the pounded nuts are then rinsed and separated from the oil, kernel, and chaffs. “The extracted oil is then cooked in a drum, with cocoyam added to the mixture. Once the oil is ready, we remove the cocoyam and eat.” She explained.
Ekane Amalia Senge, representative of the Bangem Women Empowerment Forum, Ebamut, highlighted the significance of palm oil milling in the village’s history and culture.
She attributed the quality of Ebamut oil to the traditional methods used and the natural growth of palm trees in the area.
However, she expressed concern about the impact of climate change on palm oil production, citing the drying up of rivers and streams.
The Sub Divisional Delegate of Women Empowerment and the Family, Bangem, Epumangando Synthia Epede Bih, congratulated Ebamut women on their exceptional palm oil production skills.
Reflecting on the theme, “Rural Women Facing the Challenges of Climate Change and Access to Productive Resources,” she emphasized the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
She urged the women to protect their environment and adopt sustainable methods to ensure the continuity of palm oil production.
The celebration was attended by the Divisional Delegate of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Kupe Muanenguba, Ngwene Cecilia Mbolle, President Bangem Women Forum, Abwe Janet, and women from villages in the Ebamut zone.
Call to Action
The event concluded with a call to action for the sons and daughters of Ebamut to invest in the palm oil industry in the village, ensuring expansion and posterity. The women were encouraged to adopt sustainable practices and protect their environment to preserve the traditional palm oil milling industry.
By Ahone Jessy
