Wetlands and Livelihood Sustainability: Qualitative Evaluation of the Impact of Oil Exploitation in Ogbia Local Government, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

This study investigated the impact of oil exploitation on wetland and livelihood sustainability in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The objectives were to: carry out an expository study of the first oil well at Oloibiri; examine the vegetation and soil of the wetland; carry out an expository study of Kolo Creek as well as assessing the socio-economic and environmental impact of sand mining. Data were collected by Participatory Research Approaches which include focus group discussion, interview and field observation to elicit qualitative information on the issues involved in the wetland and livelihood sustainability. The result showed that the original mangrove forest have been replaced with secondary forest while the coastal ecosystems that was once a habitat for a diversity of flora and fauna have been lost. Kolo Creek which provided for navigation, fishing and cultural activities of the local people was taken over by water hyacinth invasion leading to the loss of fishes and other aquatic population and consequently, livelihood. The paper therefore, suggest the need for collaboration of all the stakeholders especially the oil companies operating in the area to ensure remediation and reclamation of the degraded wetland. All activities that degrade the wetland must be discouraged while encouraging those that promote sustainable use of resources.