An interface between environment and poverty: A case study of Niger Delta region in Nigeria

Abstract

Since the environment man lives in affects him either positively or negatively, it behoves him therefore to protect and manage this environment very well for his own benefit. Thus, in Third World countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America, most people depend on the natural resources as a means of livelihood. In Nigeria, for instance, the government and its agencies in particular and the people as a whole owe it a responsibility to manage, conserve, preserve and sustain the environment. According to the United Nations (2002), 189 countries signed the millennium declaration, which led to the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals, one of which is to ensure environmental sustainability. Unfortunately, however, where the reverse becomes the case the consequence is usually enormous. For example, desertification, degradation, de-aforestation, pollution (air and water), acid rain and other problems that are dangerous to earth and to human beings become the order of the day. What is more, those people who depend on the natural resources for their means of livelihood become impoverished. This study identifies environmental problems in the Niger Delta Region that are occasioned by man’s activities on the environment. In particular, it points out that as a result of the exploitation of the natural resources like oil among others and the consequent inability to manage the environment effectively, poverty has become the order of the day in that region. It also analyzes government’s efforts at the environmental management, control and sustainability. The study concludes by suggesting ways for effective management and sustainability for the optimal use, growth and development of people in particular and the nation as a whole.