Socioeconomic Characteristics of Cassava Farmers and Impacts of Crude Oil Spillage on Farmers Livelihood in Eneka Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the socioeconomic characteristics of cassava farmers in the Eneka Community and the impact of crude oil spills on their livelihoods. The research involved 100 respondents, half of whom were from areas affected by crude oil spills and the other half from non-affected areas. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were men, with 79% in crude oil spilt farms and 71% in non-oil spilt farms. Additionally, 91% of the respondents were under the age of 60, with an average age of 45 and 47 years in crude and non-crude oil spilt farms, respectively. The study also highlighted that more than three-quarters of the respondents were married, and the majority had received some level of education. The average farm size and farming experience were also documented, along with the impact of crude oil spills on cassava production, revenue, and net income. The study concluded that crude oil spillage had a detrimental effect on cassava farms, including output quality, income, and cropped areas.