IMPACT OF CRUDE OIL SPILLAGE ON AGRICULTURALPRODUCTIVITY OF RURAL FARMERS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Many parts of Nigeria are experiencing occurrences of various natural and human induced environmental disasters. Crude oil is the main stay of the Nigeria economy, and its exploration and exploitation has brought with it several cases of oil spillage, leading to depletion of agricultural productivity. The study examined the impact of crude oil spillage on the agricultural productivity of rural farmers in Delta State. Specifically, the study examined the causes of oil spillage, effect and extent of oil spillage on agricultural land, effect of oil spillage on agricultural production and causes of agitation between the villagers and oil companies towards crude oil exploitation. Multistage sampling technique was employed in the selection of sample of 120 individuals. Data obtained for this study were analyzed using descriptive statistics and mean score. The result revealed that Pipeline vandalization by criminals (34%) and Negligence of oil companies (29%) were the major causes of oil spill in Aniocha South, Patani and Warri in Delta State. The result on effect of oil spillage on agricultural land and productivity showed that there is a negative effect because all the variables like: any oil producing plant in your area, turned hitherto productive areas into wastelands, cultivable plots are greatly reduced and infertile land for crop productionrespectively, were rated high and had an acceptable overall discrimination score (x= ≥ 2.50). The result also revealed that majority of the farmers (67%) reported that about 30 – 40ha of agricultural land in the study area was affected by oil spill. The results further revealed that the major cause of agitation against oil companies and crude oil exploitation was lack of job opportunity to members of host communities (38%). Therefore, this study concludes that crude oil spillage had detrimental and negative effects on agricultural land and production. It is recommended that government should formulate policies that will help to control oil spillage on farmland.