Resiliency and sustainability after Oil Spill in Imo State and the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Isidiho, Alphonsus O.

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Type :	article
Subject :	TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering
Main Author :	Isidiho, Alphonsus O.
Additional Authors :	Mohammad Shatar Sabran Nik Ahmad Sufian Burhan
Title :	Resiliency and sustainability after Oil Spill in Imo State and the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Place of Production :	Tanjong Malim
Publisher :	Fakulti Sains dan Matematik
Year of Publication :	2023
Corporate Name :	Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris

Abstract : Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris

The study investigated resiliency in Imo State and the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria where oil spill has continued over fifty years causing severe socioeconomic, health, environmental hazards and occupational displacements. Various literature on dimensions, approaches and findings on resiliency were discussed. Using qualitative data, the study found that the communities adopted and adapted various strategies to bounce back after the spill; building private fishing pounds, buying more sophisticated boats for long distance fishing in oceans, combination of crop farming and fishing. The crop farmers converted lands closer to their homes into farmlands, leasing farmlands from other communities, planting improved seedlings. Spirituality and occupational change were part of the resilience; even women deviated from the cultural norms doing certain jobs traditionally forbidden. The lack of support from the government, oil companies and external aids made the bounce back difficult and extended. Keywords: Resilience; Oil spill; Disaster; Sustainability; Occupational change

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