Inter-Regional Dimension of Oil Mining and Sustainable Food Security in the Niger Delta Rural Sub-Region of Ondo State Nigeria

Abstract

This paper evaluates the effects of oil mining on the livelihood of the people in the rural oil producing area of Ondo State, Nigeria, especially as it affects food security. The study employed quantitative techniques for primary data collection and analysis, while qualitative techniques were used for secondary data collection and analysis. Multi-stage sampling was adopted for quantitative data collection. The first stage involved selection of four local government areas out of eighteen in Ondo State. This was followed by the random selection of fifteen localities within the four local government areas, using balloting system. A respondent was selected from each housing unit for administration of questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for quantitative data. Chi-square (X²) was used to test the differences in the level of development between the oil bearing and non-oil-bearing communities; and their respective levels of deprivation in terms of environmental problems, particularly, agricultural productivity (which is fundamental to food security) and general socio-economic activities. The study revealed that water and land pollution resulted into food poisoning, which had negative effects on residents’ health; and displacement of farmers and fishermen. The result revealed that the effect of oil production on land, water, farming and healthcare was significant (α=0.000) but insignificant on fishing (α=0.921). The paper suggests anticipatory and precautionary planning approaches to development and environmental management activities (among others) to ensure sustainable food security in the study area.