Livelihood impacts and adaptive measures in crude oil post impacted communities in core Niger Delta States in Nigeria
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Livelihood impacts and adaptive measures in crude oil post impacted communities in core Niger Delta States in Nigeria
Feepee, E.F; Eludoyin, O.S., Deekor, T.N.
Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers state
Corresponding Email Address: letoh12@gmail.com
Abstract
The study examined the livelihood impacts and adaptive measures in crude oil post impacted communities in the core Niger Delta states (Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states) in Nigeria. A total of 400 respondents were sampled across affected communities of crude oil spills pollution. The study utilized primary data sources in form of structured questionnaires to elicit information as regards the subject matter of the study. Descriptive statistics in form of frequencies, percentages, Tables and charts were employed for data presentation. Findings revealed high impact on sources of livelihood (87.4%); reduced income level (70.3%); displacements (61.8%); career disruptions (60.5%); and high magnitude of negative impacts (85.4%). Adaptive measures employed were income diversification (61.3%), reduction of expenditure (55.3%); investment relocation (45.2%) amongst others. The factors prolonging problems and reducing adaptive capacities of communities were inadequate cleanup (62.6%); cumulative impact of multiple sources of oil pollution (72.2%); poor rehabilitation (69.9%); poor communication between host communities and oil companies (75.6%); and environmental pollution issues (78.7%). Thus, crude oil post impacted communities have low capacities to cope with current oil spill pollution challenges. The study therefore recommends amongst others that the government should enact stricter laws to regulate the Nigerian oil industry in order to provide guidelines on the issues of pollution control and management at all times especially as it concerns the study area.
Keywords: Livelihood impact, Crude oil spills, Environmental pollution, Adaptive measures, Core Niger Delta states, Adaptive capacities
