Sustainable development, environmental degradation and the entrenchment of poverty in the Niger Delta of Nigeria
Aluko, M.A.O.
Journal of Human Ecology 15(1): 63-68
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0970-9274 DOI: 10.1080/09709274.2004.11905668Document Number: 264158
This study sought to investigate how environmental degradation had impoverished the peoples of the Niger Delta and how this at the same hindered sustainable development. The study made use of both primary and secondary sources of data which include; the literature, observation and in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using simple percentages. The findings of the study showed that environmental degradation destroyed the ecosystems of the Niger Delta and subsequently led to loss of farm lands, fishing sites and equipments, unemployment, diseases, inadequate reparation and deterioration in the quality of life of the people and also hindered sustainable development in the area. The study made several recommendations to redeem the situation. The study concluded on the note that the issues at stake in environmental degradation are interwoven and multi-dimensional and none can be treated in isolation of others.