Resource information
The Niger Delta is one of the
world's largest wetlands and includes by far the
largest mangrove forest in Africa. Within this extremely
valuable ecosystem, oil activities are widespread - Rivers
State and Delta State produce 75 percent of Nigeria's
petroleum, which represents over 50 percent of national
government revenues. However, despite its vast oil reserves,
the region remains poor. Gross National product (GNP) per
capita is below the national average of US$280. Optimal
resource and land use in the region is constrained by a lack
of development, stagnant agricultural productivity, very
limited opportunities in urban areas, rapid population
growth, the generally poor health of the expanding
population and tenuous property rights. Conflicts have
developed between local communities and private and public
developers over resource ownership and use, particularly
tied to oil activities. This study, Defining An
Environmental Development Strategy for the Niger Delta,
attempts to move beyond emotive arguments to provide an
analytical basis for substantive stakeholder discussion of
the most critical environmental and social issues and
possible interventions. It offers a comprehensive assessment
of the environmental issues in the Delta and resulting
social impacts. The report was developed based on an
innovative and highly participatory process which emphasized
beneficiary consultation and collaboration to ensure local ownership.
