Determining the Impacts of Oil Pollution and a Sustainability Assessment in Nigeria | Chapter 06 | Current Advances in Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences Vol. 3

 The growing impact of climate change has piqued public interest in determining the long-term implications of people's actions. While environmentalists continue to press for accountability, most people in the places where the majority of these pollutions occur, particularly in oil-producing regions, have no voice in their fate. The study proposes a qualitative approach and the creation of a focus group environmental matrix as a unique technique for oil spill control that considers people's perceptions. The following goals aid in the development of a broader understanding of oil exploration and production in local communities, particularly in Nigeria, based on established literature, the establishment of a protocol for engaging with community leaders, the management of focus groups, and reporting on the findings of the focus groups. This study uses a qualitative approach, based on a focus group discussion of 12 open-ended questions about the environmental effects of the oil spill. The impact of the spills on local residents was the focus of the inquiries. Between March and May 2018, qualitative research was conducted in the communities of Gio, Ogale, Kwawa, and KeDere in Ogoniland. Gender-based approaches were tested with 48 participants and pre-determined questions. Participants were asked leading questions and were native English speakers with prior knowledge of the topic. Finally, matrix analysis was used to match the people's perspectives, and the results showed that the overall environmental components had changed.

The focus group matrix indicated unsustainable income, devalued economy, devalued culture, weathering mangrove, respiratory difficulties, inaccuracy in reaction, communication barrier, and economic deterioration as effects of oil pollution. It was determined how important it is to use focus groups to promote environmental restoration and sustainability. It enables a more direct connection with the most vulnerable, as well as potential policy solutions. 

Author(S) Details

Ime Ben
School of Computing Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Chigozie Nwankpa
Departmen of Design Manufacturing and Engineering Management, Faculty of Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XW, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Jim Baird
School of Computing Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, Scotland, United Kingdom.

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