PERCEIVED IMPACTS OF OIL POLLUTION ON LIVELIHOODS AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING IN SELECTED NIGER DELTA STATES
Keywords:
Niger Delta, oil pollution, livelihoods, community perceptions, environmental degradation, socioeconomic impactsAbstract
The Niger Delta region of Nigeria has long experienced environmental pressures from oil exploration, with profound implications for livelihoods and community well-being. This study examines how residents in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States perceive the impacts of oil pollution on agriculture, fishing, tourism, public health, and broader socioeconomic conditions. Guided by Environmental Degradation and Livelihood Theory and Social Conflict Theory, a mixed-methods design combined structured questionnaires (n = 400), semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Data were aggregated into three periods (2014–2017, 2018–2020, 2021–2024) to reflect perceived temporal trends. Respondents reported significant declines in crop yields and fish stocks, moderate reductions in tourism activities, and rising health challenges. Socioeconomic concerns included increasing poverty, unemployment, and social tensions, particularly in communities adjacent to spill sites. These findings underscore the socially mediated nature of environmental harm, linking ecological degradation to livelihood vulnerability and social instability. The study recommends targeted environmental remediation, short-term livelihood support, and strengthened governance and health interventions in the most affected communities to enhance resilience and sustainable development.
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