Fishing activities through found in all the communities are more concentrated in Brass local government. Trading and water transportation over 20% of the population is involved in petty trading on agricultural and non-agricultural communities as well as water transportation. A small percentage (<15%) are engaged in contract business, industrial work, artisan (canoe making, tailoring, welding, engine boats repairs/maintenance, and hiring of boats, electrical works, lumbering and carpentry. Finding also reveals that less than 10% of the population are public/civil servants, apprenticeship or students in the study.
Besides the livelihood activities discussed above, activities grouped under “others” form about 2% of economic activity in all the project communities. The availability of thick forests in some parts of the communities enhances seconding forms of economic activities such as lumbering, hunting, picking of periwinkles, palm fruit harvesting and processing.
One general feature observed in all the communities is that, they are involved in one form of economic activity or the other as most fishing households were into farming and other income generating activities and vice versa. The study deduced that, the economic geography of the communities is characterized with interaction with neighbours and people of other culture in trade, anchored on local resource exploitation. The proposed project is not expected to disrupt artisanal fishing activities in the area.
a b
c d
NDRMP, (2010) reported that, the economy of the Niger Delta region is largely driven by the informal sector in terms of percentage of people engaged in livelihood activities. Findings reveals that, the highest proportion of the population is engaged in farming forestry and fishing accounting for over 35%, while 45% of the respondents are self-employed in trade, education/health sectors, services/administration as well as water transportation, construction and other forms of secondary activities as presented in Figure 4.33. Result reveals that, 40%
of the populace are not employed across the communities. Surprising, the study reveals that 10% of the respondents are unemployed graduates of Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of education are unable to find suitable employment but engages in other menial jobs.
During FGD sessions it was gathered that, those who actively participate in community service and with exemplary behaviour are rewarded by social clubs and community leaders with chieftaincy titles, most religious and traditional groups empowers some with financial benefits, etc. Community based organization and thrift association provide very strong social networks that unite members through a common set of shared values.
Source: Field survey, 2019
Figure 4.33: Employment Status in the Study Area
EMRL, (2016) reported that indicators of human development indices are life expectancy, education and gross domestic products (gdp). Across the 14 communities, life expectancy is highest in Delta (0.587) and lowest in Bayelsa (0.455). Education index is highest (0.683) in Akwa Ibom but lowest in Bayelsa (0.528) GDP index is highest (0.612) Delta and lowest in Ondo. Findings reveals that human development as well as economic participation indicators in the study area is higher in Lima, Oginbiri, Okunbiri and Okunbini-Beleu etc. but lower in Ibidi, Ewoama, Obioku. Economic participation index is very low across all the proposed project communities as presented in Figure 4.34. This finding is in tandem with the expectations of the community members requesting for improved social economic conditions in the study area.
0 50 100 150 200 250
Employment
Communities
HDI EDI
Liama 0.213 0.052
Oginibiri 0.221 0.061
Okunbiri 0.231 0.067
Okunbiri-Beleu 0.211 0.051
Ibidi 0.231 0.061
Obioku 0.123 0.062
Beletieama 0.231 0.064
Egweama 0.213 0.071
Twon-Brass 0.213 0.067
Ewoama 0.123 0.041
Okpuama 0.312 0.054
Dieama 0.231 0.056
Odioama 0.321 0.071
Sangama 0.231 0.061
Figure 4.34: Development Indices in the Study Area Source: Field Survey, 2018
Income is one of the major determinants of household consumption, savings and expenditure.
It is one of the most important variables that measure the welfare of households. It influences socio-economic status of individuals and its distribution pattern has the potential of influencing other demographic variables. Income distribution in the proposed project communities is presented in figure 12. Result shows that, over 50% of households earn between 5000 – 20,000 per month, about 40% earn between 20,001 – 35,000 per month.
Less than 15% earn 50,000 and above. Analysis reveals that, concentration of income earners within 5000-35,000. This category of income earners are predominantly fisher folks and traders while income brackets of 35,001 -50,000 and above households are those with specialized skills working in oil companies, civil/public service, or contractors etc. Result shows that income earned by households is a function of skills acquired. These low-income group are mainly farmers and other artisans (unskilled), middle income earners (fisher folks, traders etc.) are semi-skilled while high income earners (Engineers, contractors etc.) are skilled personal (Figure 4.35).
Source: Field Survey, 2018
Figure 4.35: Income Distribution in the Study Area
Findings also reveals that personal income levels of self-employed rural households were difficult to assess because many rural household do not keep records of their income and are uncertain of their gross or net income. UNDP (2018) reported that, income levels have been found to be low in the Niger Delta region, with an average income of N5, 073 per month (about US$36 per month) which is lower than the national minimum wage of N7, 500 per month. There is considerable inequality in income distribution. A Gini coefficient index was used to determine the inequality index in the study area. For Bayelsa and Rivers, this coefficient stood at 0.4792 and 0.4757, respectively in 2004, a figure that is about equal to the national figure of 0.49 NBS (2004). In Brass, Nembe and Bonny Towns about 22% of households earn less than N10, 000 monthly while 26% and 66% in the Fishing settlements earn less than N10, 000 monthly. The high level of unemployment in the communities accounts for this low level of household incomes.
The distribution of respondents by occupational engagement is presented in figure 4.36. FGD session reveals that there is part-time or full-time engagement as shown above. Result shows that 84% of the households are into full-time engagement in fishing and trading/artisan, training while negligible proportion (24%) are into part time engagement in area of contract appointment, supplies and other secondary activities earlier discussed and SPDC (2011) estimated that, the annual income of households was N150,000 – N200,000.00.
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Distribution of Income by respondents
≤ 5000 5001-20000 20001-35000 35001-50000 ≥ 50000
Figure 4.36: Distribution of respondents by Occupational Engagements Source: Field survey, 2018
There are many studies that have linked years of experience to efficiency and wellbeing.
Findings reveals that, the higher the experience gained by fishing/farming households in the study the better chances they stand in earning more income. Years of experience of occupation is presented in figures 13 and 14 (Figure 4.37). It shows that over 80% of households who engages in priming occupation have spent over 30 – 50 years. While those engaging in secondary occupation spent at least 5 to 20 years. Result further shows a paradigm shift from primary to secondary occupation. The reason was linked to explorative activities by the oil companies which has affected in some places restricted their fishing coverage in the study area. This result is consistent with NDRMP (2017) which stated oil exploration in Niger Delta region influences the growth of primary occupation (fishing, agriculture trading and water transportation.
Source: Field survey, 2018
Constraints to Major Productive Activities.
Table 4.34 shows constraints to major production activities in the project communities.
During FGD session, discussants expressed concerns on constraints to production activities.
These constraints were categorised under internal and external factors, except one factor that was crisis-cutting (access to market and market infrastructures. The internal factors identified are: low capital and knowledge/skills, inability to purchase or repair fishing gears, inadequate storage facilities, fire outbreaks in fishing settlements and external factors identified are oil potential, explorative activities by oil companies, high cost of transportation, restriction in fishing area due to facility installations, increase prices of inputs, as well as weak institutions.
According to Mrs. Doukoro Pogonyo a 42 years old trader of Twon-Brass community says,
“if these problems are solved, we can do better in our communities”.
Table 4.34: Constraints to Major Productive Activities
SN Internal External
1 Low capital Oil pollution
2 Low knowledge and skills Sea piracy ad
robbery/kidnapping
3 Fishing gears High cost of input
4 Inadequate storage facilities/preservation methods Restriction in fishing area boundary disputes
5 Access to market and Market infrastructures
6 Poor records keeping/ Weak social institutions
7 Fire outbreaks
Source: Field Survey, 2018
Household Consumption and Expenditure
Figure 4.38 shows the consumption –expenditure profile of respondents in the proposed project communities. Many studies (SPDC and Akpan, (2014) linked household expenditure and consumption as a crude measure for quality of life. This is because the bundle of goods and services which the household can purchase is influenced by how much it can afford to spend on these items. Findings reveals that 53% income is spent on food and shelter/accommodation. These items are grouped under the basic necessities of life including clothing. Expenditure on education is 11% while communications/utility and transportation are 4% and 8% respectively. The availability of network providers (MTN, 9 mobile, glo etc) enhances inter personal communication, boost trade and other commercial as well as industrial activities in the study area. Households expenditure on health is 13%, social commitment, security and items grouped as “others” has a share of 7% and 4% respectively.
Figure 4.38: Household Consumption & Expenditure Source: Field Survey, 2018
The implications are that, rural economy spend higher on basic consumables (food, shelter, clothing and transportation). It is astonished that, expenditure on health care is higher than education and clothing. This situation may be attributed to either poor hygienic conditions or due to environmental pollution caused by explorative industries in the study area. Increase expenditure on education is a measure of increase demand for educational services (at all levels) in the study area. The result is consistent with studies (Akpan, SPDC, Ebong) on household expenditure profile applicable in Bayelsa State and in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The prevalence prices of agricultural and non-agricultural goods are stated in Table 4.35.
Table 4.35: Prevalence Prices of Sampled Food and Non-Food Items
SN Commodities Prevalence Prices
1 Beans 50-80 a cup
2 Garri 10 cups for 100
3 Rice 80-100 a cup
4 Beef 300-500 a kolo
5 Palm oil 150-250 a bottle
6 Groundnut oil 500 a bottle
7 Salt 100-150 per cup
8 Fresh periwinkle 200 a cup
9 Eys 40 per Eys
10 Banana 1500-2000
11 Stock Fish 2300-2500
12 Magic Seasoning 250-300 a packet
13 Crayfish 500 a plate
14 Shirts 200-500 a modu
15 Roasted fish (average size) 200-250
16 Skirts 500-2000
17 Wrist Watches 400-1500
18 Wrapper 2500-5000 (Nipain Wax)
19 Rubber Slippers 250 a pier
20 Pepper (fresh) 200 a plate
21 Tomatoe 60 a tim
SN Commodities Prevalence Prices
23 Ogbono 400 a wrap
24 Cover Shoes (open marker price) 1500-2500
25 Plastic buckets (medium size) 500
26 Fresh fish (average size) 1500
27 Plantain 2000-2500 a bunch
28 Paw-Paw/ Pineapple/Quara 200-500
Source: Field survey, 2018
Saving constitutes the basis for capital formation and accumulation, investment and growth of an economy at macro and micro levels as presented in Figure 4.39. During focus group discussion sessions, in the project communities, it reveals that, many informal financial institutions exist in the study area. More than 50% of the respondents save their money using traditional method of saving commonly referred to as (thrift association (esusu) with rotatory saving and credit associations. This is mostly done among the kindred’s and associations, 20% keep their money at home and with groups/clubs called “professional clubs”
respectively. Interestingly, about 10% saves their money in form of buying and storing of petroleum products (diesel, kerosene, petrol) in jerrycans, for future sales it is hopeful that in speculation prices will increase.
Figure 4.39: Annual Saving Modes and Investment Pattern Source: Field survey, 2018
This saving mode was observed and practicable in all the communities across the proposed project area. Finding reveals that, 50% of household’s investment is skewed to their primary occupation (fishing). The investment involves purchase of fishing gears and speed boats etc.
qualitative information gathered during FGD & IDI sessions reveals that, 16% of households with huge financial status prefers building houses and renting out to migrant workers residing in the communities. Another area of household investment is in trade/commerce (17%), processing/preservation of fishes, (5%) on education and 2% for item group under others (Betgja, pools, etc).
Annual savings of the respondents across the communities was analysed and presented in Figure 4.40. Findings reveals that over 50% of the respondents saves between <50,000 – 100,000 annually from their primary occupation. 20% of some households in the study area saves between 201,000 – 30,000 annually while 5% saves between 301,000 to 401,000 and above. Over 20% of the households in the proposed project communities do not save due to very low-income status. This finding reveals that households who engages on fishing, farming saves lower than households who works either in multinational and other public institutions including contractors and traders. The study deduced that savings has been a culture of the households and serves as a safety net to many households in the study area.
Generally, annual average savings in the study area is N200,000. Economically, savings are derived from income after deducting household consumption expenditure. A strong savings culture is expected to stimulate investment, all other things being equal. This study recommends that, community members need to cultivate a saving culture, particularly, using the banking system as this can qualify them for credit and other facilities from formal financial institutions which could be used for productive purposes.
Figure 4.40: Annual Savings in the Study Area Source: Field survey, 2018
One of the contending issues raised by the inhabitants across all the communities surveyed was changes in their fishing activities. As earlier presented in previous discourse, occupation, income, constraints to productive activities, and impacts on primary occupation of the households. Figure 4.41 shows the trend on primary occupation. Three domains of assessment were deployed in this study, namely no change in quantity, decreasing quantity and increasing quantity of fish catch. Result shows that 96% of the respondents agreed that, there is huge reduction/decline in quantity of fish harvested across the fishing ports in the study area. Only 4% affirmed that, there is no change (further probe reveals that, the few respondents (4%) spent less than 5 years in fishing.
Figure 4.41: Perception of Respondents on Trend of Primary Occupation Source: Field survey, 2018
4.9.9: Infrastructural Facilities & Quality of Life
One of the critical elements of development of any society is the availability of functional infrastructural facilities. Many studies have linked sustain growth and development to availability of infrastructural facilities. SPDC (2017) reported that the availability and quality of infrastructural facilities in a community to a large extent determine the quality of life in such community. Over 80% of impact assessment reports have shown that, SPDC has constructed, equipped and revitalized several infrastructural projects in the Niger Delta across sectors in over 450 communities. This is done under its social corporate responsibility or investments. Such investments included those in education, health, water and income-generating facilities, among others.
Road Infrastructures
Good road network in any society could facilitate the movement of goods and services especially farm produce/fishes from one place to another. During field visit, community visits infrastructure mapping reveals that, across the 14 communities there are evidence of roads constructed by SPDC, government, NDDC and other multinationals. These roads are grouped as follows: tarred road, untarred, footpath and jetties. There are feeder roads within the communities which make for easy intra-community movement of people and goods and services. Road transportation in these communities is by motor vehicles, heavy duty trucks, tricycles, commercial motor cycles, wheel barrows, and communities hand propeller trucks (Plate 4.26). Apart from road transportation, water transportation is an important affordable and accessible means of movement within and outside the proposed project communities.
Observation reveals that water transportation is the major form of transport in the communities especially in Twon-Brass and other communities. All the water bodies in the communities within the radius of 5-20kms are accessible by water using outboard engines
and hand-dug boats. There are several landed jetties that were constructed and donated to all the communities by SPDC.
Plate 4.26: Available Road Infrastructures in the area (a-c)