Resiliency and sustainability after oil spill in Imo State and the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

The study investigated resiliency in Imo State and the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria where oil spill has continued over fifty years causing severe socioeconomic, health, environmental hazards and occupational displacements. Various literature on dimensions, approaches and findings on resiliency were discussed. Using qualitative data, the study found that the communities adopted and adapted various strategies to bounce back after the spill; building private fishing pounds, buying more sophisticated boats for long distance fishing in oceans, combination of crop farming and fishing. The crop farmers converted lands closer to their homes into farmlands, leasing farmlands from other communities, planting improved seedlings. Spirituality and occupational change were part of the resilience; even women deviated from the cultural norms doing certain jobs traditionally forbidden. The lack of support from the government, oil companies and external aids made the bounce back difficult and extended.

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