ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND HUMAN SECURITY: A STUDY OF ISOKO NORTH, OSHIMILI SOUTH AND UGHELLI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN DELTA STATE

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to examine environmental degradation and human   security in Delta State:  a study of Isoko north, Oshimili South and Ughelli North Local Government Areas in Delta State. The three local government areas were examined based on the peculiar dimension of environmental degradation which  are; gas flaring in Isoko North, flooding in Oshimili south, solid waste in Ughelli North. Four research questions were raised. The descriptive survey design was adopted. The simple random sampling technique was used to obtain the sample size. The research instrument was a self-administered questionnaire.  The mean criterion was used as the statistical tool of analysis. Based on the analysis of the data generated, it was found that gas flaring has more environmental degradation impact on human security among the people of Isoko North, while flooding has less impact on human security among the people of Oshimili South due to the presence of good drainage systems and government support on the provision of medical facilities such as mosquito nets and free services to affected flood victims. In Ughelli north  the study showed that solid waste has an impact on human security. The respondents recommended that government and oil companies should always engage in collaborative relationship with oil producing (host) communities.  Government should always compensate farmers and people affected by gas burning, and construct more drainage system and design a framework for urban planning and development. It is also essential to encourage adoption of recycling and reuse of wastes generated, creation of adequate infrastructures such as dumping sites in every community. The study also recommends that the people of Delta State should be enlightened on ways to safeguard the environment from injurious human degradation activities, oil companies should ensure clean environmental safety measures in carrying out gas exploration and a huge fine placed on defaulters of environmental laws.