INFLUENCE OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS ON CASSAVA FARMERS' OUTPUT IN CRUDE OIL SPILLAGE COMMUNITIES IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigates the impact of socio-economic characteristics and crude oil spillage on cassava farmers’ output in affected communities of Rivers State, Nigeria, while assessing the role of government agencies in addressing the challenges posed by oil spillage. Emphasising oil contamination's environmental, social, and economic dimensions, the research employed a multistage sampling technique to collect primary data from 150 cassava farmers in oil-spillage areas. Structured questionnaires served as the primary data collection instrument, and analytical tools such as descriptive statistics and multiple regression models provided insights into the effects of socio-economic variables such as education, cooperative membership, gender, and farming experience on cassava output. The findings reveal that oil spillage significantly reduces cassava production through soil degradation, farmland contamination, and restricted arable land, leading to suboptimal yields. Farmers identified education and cooperative membership as critical factors in acquiring knowledge and resources to mitigate these challenges. The study also evaluates the efforts of government agencies, uncovering gaps in policy implementation, ineffective environmental remediation programs, and delayed compensation for affected farmers. While adaptive strategies like fertilizer application and mixed cropping were employed, these measures were insufficient to fully counteract the effects of oil contamination. The study underscores the urgent need for stronger government interventions, including stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, timely and adequate remediation programs, and farmer-focused policies. These findings highlight a roadmap for empowering cassava farmers in rebuilding sustainable livelihoods and enhancing agricultural productivity in oil-spillage-affected communities of Rivers State, Nigeria.