Socio–economic and environmental impact of crude oil exploration and production on agricultural production: a case study of Edjeba and Kokori communities in Delta State of Nigeria

The study examined the socio-economic and environmental impact of oil exploration on agriculture with particular reference to Edjeba and Kokori communities of Delta State, Nigeria. Both communities are oil-producing communities and agriculture constitutes the primary income generating activities of the indigenes. A 15 item close-ended questionnaires was used to elicit responses from 100 animal, crop and fish farmers. This sample was made up of 55 and 45 farmers randomly drawn from Edjeba and Kokori communities respectively. The results showed that oil exploration and production activities have caused damage to farmlands and water bodies as a result of oil spillage leading to a decrease in agricultural output and hence the income earning capacity of the people has declined appreciably. The results also showed an increase in the occurrence of health hazard, air/noise pollution and heightened deforestation in these communities. It is recommended that regular inspection of oil pipelines, monitoring of oil fields, adequate and timely compensation payments, provision of farm inputs including agricultural extension services and improved seeds be made available to host communities for improved agricultural production. Keywords : socio-economic effects, environment impact, oil production, agriculture, Delta State Global Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 4(2) 2005: 171-176