Bart Nnaji Foundation Begins Quest to Replace Traditional Palm Wine Tapping Method with Techdriven Extraction

Is it possible to use technology to extract palm wine without the hazardous practice of climbing palm trees?

The Prof. Bart Nnaji Foundation is looking for an answer. It has launched the Bart Nnaji Innovation Challenge, a practical competition aimed at developing technology for palm wine extraction that eliminates the need for traditional tree climbing.

In a statement signed by David Nwobodo, the Foundation called on bold thinkers, builders, creators, and problem‑solvers to design safer methods for harvesting palm wine.

He explained that the challenge seeks engineering solutions that protect lives, support rural enterprise, and modernise palm wine harvesting while preserving its cultural significance.

“The challenge focuses on a real and long‑standing problem within Nigeria’s traditional palm wine industry: how to preserve an important cultural and economic practice while reducing the risks faced by traditional palm wine harvesters,” the statement said.

The Foundation noted that palm wine extraction has “for generations remained an important part of community life, supporting families, local traders, small businesses, ceremonies, festivals, and social gatherings across many communities.”

However, it lamented that the traditional method often requires tappers to climb tall palm trees using ropes, pegs, and improvised tools—a physically demanding and dangerous process.

The Foundation pointed out that the profession of palm wine tapping is already in decline because there is no guaranteed succession. Youths are not showing interest in taking up the trade as a livelihood.

As experienced tappers age and fewer young people are willing to undertake hazardous work, the future of palm wine extraction demands safer, smarter, and more practical solutions.

“The challenge is simple: design a safe way to harvest palm wine without climbing trees,” the Foundation said, adding that the ultimate goal is to protect lives while supporting local enterprise.

Participants are expected to develop practical ideas that reduce or eliminate the need for tappers to climb tall trees. Proposed solutions may involve engineering, mechanics, automation, local materials, improved tools, modified harvesting systems, or any creative approach that makes palm wine harvesting safer and more efficient.

In the statement, Professor Ifeabunike Joseph Dioha, a professor of Industrial Chemistry and Energy Studies and Director of Renewable Energy Projects at Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN), Delta State, praised the innovation challenge.

He described the initiative as a timely intervention that connects science, engineering, innovation, and community development.

“This is the kind of innovation challenge that should excite students, researchers, and practical problem‑solvers because it applies science to a real‑life problem,” Professor Dioha said.

The former Deputy Director‑General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria in the Presidency, Abuja, noted that some of his postgraduate students were already participating in the challenge.

“I am pleased that some of my postgraduate students are participating. It gives them the opportunity to think practically, design responsibly, and contribute to a solution that can have direct impact on society,” he added.

The Bart Nnaji Foundation says the innovation challenge is open to individuals and teams with innovative ideas. Students, engineers, makers, builders, technicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, and practical problem‑solvers are encouraged to apply and develop a home‑grown technology for palm wine extraction.

The winner of the innovation challenge will receive a grand prize of N10 million, and the Foundation will provide prototype development funding for the top three finalists. Travel support will also be provided for the top three finalists attending the pitch defense.

Entries for the Bart Nnaji Innovation Challenge close on 27 May 2026. Interested individuals and teams are asked to register through the official competition page: