Assessment of Ecological Degradation and Associated Implications in Southern Akwa Ibom State: Why Actions need to be Taken

Abstract

This study was carried out in Southern part of Akwa Ibom State with a view to unveiling the ecological problems prevalent in the region and its associated implications. Seven Local Government Areas within the region were selected for the study. Two (2) villages in each Local Government were further sampled making a total of 14 villages. The study employed both descriptive and quantitative method of data analysis. Twenty-eight (28) structured questionnaires out of 392 were distributed to Fourteen (14) communities, together with personal interview conducted at the sampled communities. SPSS manipulation using multiple regression analysis revealed that the Southern Akwa Ibom State is heavily endowed with natural resources and in the quest of harnessing the resources, a wide variety of ecological problems emerged such as oil spill, forest destruction, gas flaring, water pollution, air pollution, open defecation, ground water contamination, soil acidity and biodiversity loss. The study further noted that given the ever-increasing ecological degradation, the livelihood and socio-economic status of the region have been modified, jeopardized or absolutely destabilized with poor crop yield, fishery loss, soil infertility and land contaminant. It was however recommended that an impact prediction and proper assessment of anthropogenic activities including mineral and non-mineral exploitation within the area be carried out. This is with a view to touching essentially on the change brought about by anthropogenic activities including, sand dredging, deforestation, gas flaring as well as oil spill which subsequently impact upon agricultural productivity and environmental resources in the region. Also, all the key stakeholders in the various companies operating within the region including oil and gas industry should inject some funds and re-direct their attention toward effective ecosystem management for improved livelihood sustainability.