SOCIO ECONOMIC IMPACT OF OIL SPILLAGE IN OZOCHI COMMUNITY AHOADA EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Student: Monday Junior Adi
Supervisor: Dr Enyinda Chike
HOD: Dr Paulinus W Ihuah
Department of Geography
SOCIAL SCIENCES
RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY, PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE

Abstract

Oil spillage is a major environmental issue that significantly affects the socio-economic fabric of communities in oil-producing regions. This study examines the diverse impact of oil spillage in ozochi community from agriculture, fishery, health and overall livelihood and also profound solutions to this impact. This research is also significant as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic impacts of oil spills on a specific community within the Niger Delta, a region that has been historically underrepresented in academic and policy discussions despite its critical importance to Nigeria's economy and the global oil market. The findings from this study will make several key contributions. The research will contribute to the broader discourse on environmental justice by documenting the lived experiences of the Ozochi community. Environmental justice seeks to address the unequal environmental burdens borne by marginalized communities, and this study will shed light on how oil spills have disproportionately affected the socio-economic fabric of Ozochi. By providing empirical data and firsthand accounts, the study will highlight the necessity for equitable environmental policies that protect vulnerable communities from the adverse effects of industrial activities. The research also offers practical recommendations for improving the management of oil spills and mitigating their socio-economic impacts. These recommendations will be based on the specific needs and conditions of the Ozochi community, making them highly relevant and actionable. Policymakers, regulatory agencies, and oil companies can use these insights to develop targeted interventions that address the root causes of the community's challenges and foster resilience against future oil spills. The practical implications of this study will thus contribute to the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the Ozochi community and similar communities in the Niger Delta.

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