Perceived effects of oil spillage on farming activities among smallholder farmers in Udu Local government area, Delta state, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the perceived effects of oil spillage on farming activities among smallholder farmers in Delta State. A total of 120 smallholder farmers were sampled. An interview schedule was designed and administered to the sampled respondents. Data collected were analyzed with frequency count, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Findings showed that the topmost ranked perceived effects of oil spillage on farming activities were exposure to oil-contaminated soil and water can pose significant health risks to farmers and communities (x̄=3.68), oil spills lead to the contamination of agricultural farmlands (x̄=3.63), and financial losses for farmers due to reduced crop yield (x̄=3.63). The foremost coping strategies employed by respondents to mitigate the effect of oil spillage were the implementation of water management practices to minimize the use of oil-contaminated water for irrigation (x̄=3.60), and diversification of crop cultivation to reduce the risk of complete crop loss due to oil spills (x̄=3.60). Based on findings, the study concluded that oil spillage has caused the problems of health hazards, agricultural land contamination and water pollution in the study area. Therefore, concerned government and non-governmental agencies, ministries and departments should formulate policies to reduce oil spillage on agricultural land areas in the study area.