Abstract: Hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation in Delta State and export of oil and gas resources by the petroleum sector has substantially improved the nation’s economy over the past six decades. However, activities associated with crude oil production are not unconnected to having adverse impacts on the livelihoods and environment. This study assesses the adverse impacts of hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation on livelihoods in Delta State, Nigeria. Data from Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Survey (KIS) derived from the inhabitants were collected and analyzed. A total of 388 questionnaires were used to collect data for the study. Relative Importance Index (RII) was the statistical technique used for the analysis of data. The results reveal that petroleum exploration and exploitation are being experienced and oil spillage and its attendant consequences are conspicuous in the study area; and that the inhabitants’ occupations are being affected negatively. It further shows increasing rate of vandalization of crude oil pipelines in areas where major exploration and exploitation activities are on-going and in areas where crude oil pipelines pass through which constitute pollution. Socio-economic conditions of the people were also observed to be adversely affected. Most of the people, therefore, fall within the low socio-economic status. It was also observed that poor and inadequate livelihood conditions, mainly ubiquitous in the study area, also reveal the undesirable effects of petroleum exploration and exploitation on people’s means of livelihoods. Besides, findings in the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informants Survey also showed that petroleum exploration and exploitation activities have adverse effects on the inhabitants’ means of livelihoods. The implications of the study are numerous, including but not restricted to the facts that petroleum exploration and exploitation have severe negative effects on the livelihoods of the people in Delta State and there is absence of valid and reliable corrective measures to nip these problems in the bud. In accordance with the research findings, the study recommends economic diversification policy drive to be thoroughly rooted and focused in Delta State, among other workable recommendations proffered with a view to mitigating the adverse impacts of hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation on livelihoods in Delta State, Nigeria.
Keywords: Hydrocarbon exploration, petroleum sector, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Delta State.
Title: THE ADVERSE IMPACTS OF HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION AND EXPLOITATION ON LIVELIHOODS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
Author: INOBEME, JONATHAN
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations
ISSN 2348-1218 (print), ISSN 2348-1226 (online)
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