Effect of Environmental Degradation on the Inhabitants of Obodo Community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the effect of environmental degradation on the inhabitants of Obodo community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State in the Niger Delta Region (NDR) of Nigeria. The study utilized structured questionnaires that were randomly administered to 105 recipients, of who 80 responded.  These respondents represent a cross-section of the stakeholders (oil industry/company workers, farmers, teachers, transporters as well as public servants). The questionnaire consisted of 20 structured questions grouped into two categories to cover various aspect of oil and gas related environmental pollutions.  Simple percentages and chi-squared test were employed in analyzing the collected data. The study showed that there were significant relationship between environmental degradation and economic hardship within Obodo community in the NDR of Nigeria.  The study recommends that Government and the various oil companies should always take steps to enhance, resuscitate and improve on the environmental related challenges of the communities within the Niger Delta.