Environmental Identities and Attitude towards Crude Oil Pipeline Vandalism in Niger Delta Oil-Producing Communities

Abstract

Environmental identities and attitude towards oil pipeline vandalism in Niger Delta oil-producing communities were examined to show whether low environmental identity is associated with an environmentally destructive attitude, as well as how such issues may be connected with incidents of oil pipeline vandalism in the area. A survey of youths (N = 603) from selected oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta area was conducted. A subset of the sample participated in focus group discussions, and ten experts were interviewed. Socioeconomic and demographic factors of participants were also investigated, as they might be associated with environmental identities and attitudes. The study found that the youths who scored medium to high on the environmental identity scale are more likely to be pro-environmental. There was also a significant association between gender and environmental identity scores. Occupation, education, and income levels were also associated with attitude towards oil pipeline vandalism. However, there was no significant association between environmental identity and attitude towards oil pipeline vandalism. The strong associations between socioeconomic factors, environmental identity, and attitude towards pipeline vandalism suggest that improved socioeconomic status may help to curb oil pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.