THE IMPACTS OF OIL EXPLORATION AND EXPLOITATION ON THE SOCIO-CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT OF OGUTA AREA, IMO STATE, SOUTHEASTERN

Abstract

This paper explored the impacts of oil exploration and exploitation on the socio-cultural environment of Oguta Area of Imo state, southeastern Nigeria. It utilized survey approach in data gathering. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics as mean, percentage and frequencies deducted from Linkert scaling method of four-point scale. Inferential statistical tools used were Z -test and chi-square statistics. The result showed the percentage of seriousness of socio-cultural impacts of oil exploitation to be 64.7%. The degree of seriousness varied across different variables considered. The percentage effect of these impacts on the lives of the people was also put at 60% which equally varied across diff erent variables considered. On the adaptive responses to socio-cultural challenges resulting from oil exploitation,approximately 46% of the respondents adopted various adaptive measures for survival. The results of inferential statistical analysis showed that the socio-cultural problems of oil exploitation and its negative effects on the lives of the people were statistically significant. So, the activities of oil exploiters have touched on the traditions, customs, norms and values of the people. It is thus, recommended that the oil companies need to research into means to restore as much as possible the traditions of the people and equally preserve those that are still standing.

Keywords: impacts, oil exploitation, socio-cultural, environment