The team conducted a thorough SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD ASSESSMENT (SLA) and PARTICIPATORY RURAL APPRAISAL (PRA), along with SEMI-STRUCTURED INTERVIEWS, to examine the socio-economic and environmental impacts of oil exploration in communities within the Niger Delta region. The assessment focused specifically on the Soku and Oyorokoto Clusters in Rivers State, Nigeria, as case studies to understand the effects of oil extraction on local livelihoods, community health, and environmental sustainability.
The process involved engaging directly with community members through participatory methods, where they shared their lived experiences and concerns regarding the consequences of decades of oil exploration. The data collected through SEMI-STRUCTURED INTERVIEWS provided in-depth insights into the various challenges faced by the communities, including environmental degradation, loss of agricultural land, and disruptions to traditional fishing practices, which are key sources of livelihood.
Also, the SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD ASSESSMENT evaluated the resilience of these communities by identifying coping strategies, existing support systems, and potential avenues for sustainable development. The PARTICIPATORY RURAL APPRAISAL further enabled local stakeholders, including women, youth, and elders, to actively contribute to the identification of challenges and potential solutions, ensuring that the assessment was community-driven and aligned with their priorities.
The findings from this comprehensive exercise are intended to inform local, state, and national policy decisions, advocating for a more equitable and environmentally conscious approach to oil exploration in the region. The outcomes will also be used to advocate for community-based interventions and sustainable livelihoods that mitigate the adverse effects of oil extraction, ultimately fostering greater resilience and long-term development in these vulnerable communities.