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American Journal of  
Geospatial Technology (AJGT)

Perceived Impact of  Oil Spill on Cassava Production in Oguta Local Government Area of  
Imo State, Nigeria

Chizoba Eberechukwu Kanu1*, Bright Chika Ajoku1

Volume 3 Issue 1, Year 2024
ISSN: 2833-8006 (Online)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajgt.v3i1.3240
https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajgt

Article Information ABSTRACT

Received: July 18, 2024

Accepted: August 21, 2024

Published: August 24, 2024

This research explores the perceived impacts of  oil spill incidents on cassava production in 
Oguta Local Government Area of  Imo State, Nigeria, specifically focusing on the percep-
tion of  local communities and farmers on the environmental impact of  oil spills inherent 
in cassava production. Utilizing a correlation research design method, the study employs 
the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC) technique and purposive sampling to 
investigate how these perceived environmental impacts correlate with various issues expe-
rienced by farmers and affected communities. The research focuses on understanding the 
relationship between oil spill occurrences and their effects on cassava cultivation, including 
soil contamination, yield reduction, and disruptions to farming activities. Data were collect-
ed through structured surveys and interviews, which were then analyzed to uncover patterns 
and trends in the perceived environmental impacts of  oil spills. The findings from the cor-
relation analysis revealed a significant correlation between the frequency of  oil spills and 
negative environmental outcomes such as soil degradation and reduced cassava yields. The 
results indicate that local communities and farmers perceive oil spills as a major threat to 
cassava production, contributing to significant environmental and agricultural challenges. 
Key recommendations include enhanced environmental regulations, improved soil response 
strategies, and community awareness programs to mitigate the adverse effect of  oil spills. 
Policymakers and environmental agencies should prioritize restoring contaminated soils and 
supporting sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, engaging local communities in 
monitoring and reporting oil spills can help in early detection and response, reducing the 
long-term impacts on cassava production.

Keywords
Oil Spills, Cassava Production, 
Health Impacts, Pearson Product-
Moment Correlation (PPMC), 
Environmental Contamination

1 Department of  Geography and Environmental Studies, Faculty of  Social Sciences, Ignatius Ajuru University of  Education
  Rumuolumeni, Rivers State, Nigeria
* Corresponding author’s e-mail: chizobakanu95@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION
The perceived impact of  oil spills can vary widely 
depending on factors such as the location of  the spill, the 
volume and type of  oil spilled, the ecosystem affected, 
and the response efforts deployed (Sandifer et al.,, 2021). 
Oil spills can cause significant harm to ecosystems, 
including marine habitats, wetlands, and coastal areas. 
Oil coats plants and animals, suffocating marine life, 
disrupting food chains, and damaging sensitive habitats. 
Long-term impacts may include reduced biodiversity 
and ecosystem resilience. Oil spills can have severe 
economic consequences for communities dependent on 
affected natural resources, such as fisheries, tourism, and 
agriculture. Osuagwu & Olaifa (2018) demonstrate that 
increasing levels of  oil spill and oil production negatively 
affects fish production in the Niger Delta region of  
Nigeria. Loss of  income, employment opportunities, and 
property values can occur due to reduced productivity 
and contamination of  resources. Exposure to oil and its 
associated chemicals can pose health risks to humans and 
wildlife. Inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with oil and 
its toxic components can lead to respiratory problems, 
skin irritation, reproductive issues, and long-term health 
effects. Ewim et al., (2023) presents a comprehensive 
analysis of  the issue of  wastewater due to oil spills 
and pollution in the Niger Delta region of  Nigeria. Oil 

spills can disrupt social cohesion and community well-
being by displacing populations, undermining traditional 
livelihoods, and straining social support networks. 
Communities may experience stress, anxiety, and trauma 
as they cope with the aftermath of  a spill and the 
uncertainty of  recovery efforts. Indigenous communities 
and cultural groups with deep connections to the affected 
environment may experience profound cultural impacts 
from oil spills Ejiba et al.,, (2016)
This research on the perceived impact of  oil spills on 
cassava production in Oguta Local Government Area, 
a study area situated in Imo State, Nigeria, occupies 
a strategic position within the Niger Delta region, 
renowned for its abundant oil reserves and extensive 
petroleum exploration and production activities. The 
area’s proximity to oil-rich deposits has contributed to 
its socio-economic significance, but it has also exposed 
local communities to environmental risks and challenges, 
including oil spills. Cassava (Manihot esculenta) 
cultivation is a cornerstone of  agricultural livelihoods in 
Oguta, providing sustenance, income, and employment 
opportunities for thousands of  residents. However, the 
sustainability of  cassava production is threatened by the 
potential impacts of  oil spills, which can contaminate soil, 
water sources, and crops, leading to reduced yields, loss 
of  income, and adverse health effects. Despite the critical 



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importance of  cassava production to local livelihoods, 
there is a notable gap in understanding how oil spills are 
perceived by stakeholders involved in the agricultural 
sector in Oguta Local Government Area. Previous studies 
have focused primarily on the ecological and economic 
impacts of  oil pollution in the Niger Delta, overlooking 
the specific implications for cassava cultivation and the 
perceived impacts on the affected farmers and local 
communities. The effect of  oil spills on farmlands has 
greatly hampered agricultural activities in the Niger Delta 
including oil-producing areas of  Imo State as there have 
been records of  oil spills covering farming areas and 
water bodies resulting in loss of  soil fertility, decrease in 
farm productivity and deterioration of  farm produce.
Understanding the health impacts of  oil spills on cassava 
farmers is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it provides 
insights into the direct human costs of  environmental 
degradation, highlighting the need for targeted 
health intervention and support systems. Secondly, it 
underscores the broader socio-economic implications, 
as poor health among farmers can lead to decreased 
productivity and economic instability. Lastly, it informs 
policy decisions and regulatory frameworks to mitigate 
the adverse effects of  oil spills and promote sustainable 
agricultural practices. The research question that enabled 
the research to be achieved is: What opinions do farmers, 
local communities, and other stakeholders have about the 
effects that oil spill incidents connected to the production 
of  cassava in Oguta Local Government Area have on the 
environment? 
The study addresses this situation by employing a 
descriptive survey design and utilizing the Pearson 
Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) technique for data 
analysis.

LITERATURE REVIEW
There has been interest in recent research papers 
regarding the perceived impact of  oil spills on cassava 
production in Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State. 
An increasing number of  academics have looked into 
how oil spills affect this region’s agricultural activities, 
especially cassava production. Here are a few researchers 
who worked on the impact of  oil spills on agricultural 
activities especially cassava in the region. Inoni et al., 
(2006) on how crop output and farm revenue in Delta 
State, Nigeria, are affected by oil spills. For more than 
thirty years, the oil-rich Niger Delta region has seen 
wanton environmental deterioration that has had a 
disastrous impact on the people living there in terms of  
their social, economic, and health. The detrimental effects 
of  oil spills on crop production were highlighted using a 
sample of  262 crop farmers who were chosen at random 
from 10 communities and 5 local government areas in the 
oil-producing agro-ecological zones of  Delta State. 10% 
more oil spills led to a 1.3 percent drop in crop yield and 
a 5 percent drop in farm revenue, significantly reducing 
farm income and land productivity. The authors advocate 
for the implementation of  policies to lower the extreme 

level of  poverty and ensure a better standard of  living for 
the populace, as well as the enactment and enforcement 
of  strict environmental laws to protect the Niger Delta 
environment and stop its ongoing degradation. Abah 
(2020) on “Differential Effects of  Oil Spillage on Cassava 
Farmers’ Livelihood in Eleme and Ogoni Land Areas of  
River State, Nigeria”. This study analyzed the effects of  oil 
spills on cassava farmers’ livelihood in Eleme and Ogoni 
Land Areas of  Rivers State, Nigeria. The study specifically 
examined the causes of  oil spillage in the study area, 
examined the livelihood effects of  oil spills and factors 
influencing the effects of  oil spills on cassava production 
in the study area. A structured questionnaire was used to 
collect data from 400 cassava farmers selected through a 
multi-stage sampling procedure. Percentage score, mean 
and Z-test were used to analyze the data collected. The 
result revealed that pipeline vandalization was identified 
as the major cause (88.0%) of  oil spillage in the study 
area. Non-payment of  compensation to victims of  oil 
spillage (M = 2.6), lack of  access to credit/loan (M = 2.5), 
lack of  access to improved varieties of  cassava and weak 
implementation of  environmental laws and policies (M 
= 2.4) were considered as factors promoting the effects 
of  oil spillage on the livelihood of  farmers. The result 
further showed that the mean effect of  polluted farm 
respondents 2.3968; SD = 0.89, while the mean effect of  
non-polluted farm respondents on cassava production is 
2.5510; SD = 0.5822 with a mean difference of  0.1542, 
and thus implies the existence of  a significant difference. 
The study concludes that oil spill had devastating 
livelihood effects on cassava farmers in the study area 
and therefore recommend effective implementation of  
mitigation measures for oil spill in the area. Ukhurebor 
et al., (2021) on Assessment of  the environmental effects 
of  petroleum spills in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. 
Environmental pollution is one well-known example of  a 
manmade activity that, when combined with the effects of  
climate change, is a worldwide concern. This has resulted 
in a number of  hazards, such as the bioaccumulation of  
toxic substances, pollution of  the aquatic environment, 
rapid deterioration of  soil structure and texture, health 
risks, a high degree of  ecosystem imbalance, and elevated 
levels of  toxicity in both the environment and humans. In 
conclusion, the study cautiously provides a way forward 
by submitting that effective research and development 
measures ranging from public health assessments of  
petroleum contamination to an all-embracing application 
of  bioremediation technology should frequently be 
carried out as a matter of  urgency with resilient adaptation, 
mollification and management of  these menaces.

The Perception of  Local Communities’, Farmers, 
and the Public Towards Oil Spills and the Impact on 
Cassava Production
The way that local communities and farmers view oil 
spills and their impact on cassava production can vary 
based on a number of  circumstances, including the extent 
of  the spill, how close the spill is to their farmlands, and 



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how well response and mitigation efforts work. Farmers 
may hold the following common perceptions:

Negative Impact on Soil Health
Farmers may perceive oil spills as a significant threat to 
the health of  their soil. Oil contamination can lead to soil 
degradation, reducing fertility, and hindering the growth of  
crops like cassava. This perception is particularly strong if  
the spill is extensive and not adequately cleaned up.

Crop Contamination
Farmers may worry about the contamination of  their 
cassava crops by oil residue. This can affect the quality 
and safety of  the cassava, making it unsuitable for 
consumption or sale. Even if  the cassava appears 
unaffected, there may be concerns about long-term 
health effects.

Loss of  Livelihood 
For many farmers, cassava production is not just a source 
of  food but also a source of  income. An oil spill that 
damages or destroys cassava crops can have devastating 
economic consequences for local communities. Farmers 
may struggle to recover financially, especially if  they rely 
heavily on cassava farming for their livelihoods.

Health Concerns
Oil spills can pose health risks to farmers and their 
families. Exposure to contaminated soil, water, and air 
can lead to various health problems, including respiratory 
issues, skin irritation, and long-term health effects. This 
perception of  health risks may further exacerbate the 
anxiety and stress experienced by farmers.

Environmental Concerns
Beyond the immediate impact on cassava production, 
farmers may also be concerned about the broader 
environmental consequences of  oil spills. They may 
worry about the contamination of  water sources, damage 
to ecosystems, and the long-term effects on biodiversity 
and natural resources.
The perception of  local communities’ farmers towards 
oil spills and their impact on cassava production is likely 
to be negative, reflecting the serious challenges and risks 
posed by environmental disasters in agricultural settings. 
Effective response, cleanup, and support measures 
from authorities and organizations can help mitigate 
these concerns and support the recovery of  affected 
communities.
The economic impact of  an oil spill on a community’s 
farmers and their cassava production can be profound, 
echoing far beyond the immediate aftermath of  the 
disaster. When the dark tide of  oil sweeps across the land, 
it doesn’t just stain the soil—it leaves an indelible mark 
on the livelihoods of  those who depend on the earth for 
their sustenance.
For the community’s farmers, whose hands toil tirelessly 
in the fields to nurture their cassava crops, an oil spill 

represents more than just a temporary setback—it’s a 
threat to their very means of  survival. As the oil seeps 
into the soil, it suffocates the delicate balance of  nutrients 
that sustain the cassava plants, stunting their growth and 
diminishing their yields. What was once a source of  
abundance and prosperity has become a battleground, 
where farmers must wage a daily struggle against the 
encroaching tide of  contamination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study Area
Oguta Local Government Area is located in Imo State, 
which is in the southeast of  Nigeria. It is surrounded 
by several Local Government Areas, including Ohaji/
Egbema to the west, Oru East to the north, and Ngor 
Okpala to the east. It has an estimated area of  484.58 km2 
and a population of  142,340 persons (Udoka et al.,, 2016). 
Because of  its proximity to the Imo River and Oguta 
Lake, the landscape is characterized by a combination of  
lowland plains, riverine areas, and wetlands. The region is 
renowned for having a diverse range of  wildlife, including 
plant and animal species. The latitude and longitude 
of  Oguta Local Government is approximate: latitude: 
5.7083°N and longitude: 6.8144°E. Two significant 
water bodies, Oguta Lake and the Imo River, have a 
major impact on the drainage system in the Oguta Local 
Government Area. Located in the northern region of  
Oguta Local Government Area, Oguta Lake, commonly 
referred to as “Oguta Blue Lake,” is one of  Nigeria’s 
largest natural lakes. It is a freshwater lake and serves as a 
vital source of  water for irrigation, fishing, and domestic 
use for communities around its shores. The lake and its 
associated wetlands contribute to the overall drainage 
pattern of  the area. Additionally, there may be smaller 
streams, creeks, and marshlands scattered throughout 
the local government area, further contributing to its 
drainage network. 
The research area is located in the hydrological province 
of  southern Nigeria’s coastal sedimentary lowlands, 
which has two different seasons: the wet and the dry. The 
majority of  the four rivers that pour into Oguta Lake are 
the Njaba, Awbana, Utu, and Orashi (Ahiarakwem & 
Onyekuru 2011). While the perennial Utu Stream empties 
into Oguta Lake during the rainy season, the Njaba and 
Awbana Rivers discharge into the lake year-round. In 
the southwest of  the lake, the Orashi River passes by. It 
was calculated that the yearly total inflow from the rivers 
and streams would be approximately 25,801.60 m3. The 
anticipated annual recharge of  the lake from precipitation 
is approximately 693,000 m3, whereas the annual return 
and overland flow into the lake are around 69,000 and 
138,000 m3, respectively. The projected yearly inflow of  
groundwater into the lake is 2,750,400 meters. Therefore, 
the total annual input of  water substantially exceeds the 
entire annual outflow. According to these figures, Oguta 
Lake receives sufficient recharging throughout the year 
(Udoka et al.,, 2016). Ofomata (1975) classifies the land 
surface of  southeastern Nigeria into three namely: the 



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plains and lowlands (including the river valleys), cuesta 
landscapes and highlands. According to Ofomata, the 
plain is the predominant feature in the region resulting 
from alternating gradational and denotational activities. 
The cuesta landscape consists of  the Nsukka-Okigwe 
cuesta and the Akwa-Orlu uplands. The Akwa-Orlu 

uplands are the scene of  intensive gully erosion while 
the Nsukka-Okigwe cuesta is a result of  differential 
resistance to erosion of  the different rock components 
of  the area. The highlands are the western extension of  
Cameroon mountain range, which is made up of  a series 
of  crystalline and recent volcanic rocks.

Figure 1: Map of  Imo State Showing Oguta Local Government with Sample Communities (Study Area)
Source: GIS Lab. Geography & Environmental Studies Department, Ignatius Ajuru University of  Education, Rumuolumeni, Rivers State

Data Collection and Processing
The data collection process for this study involved 
a combination of  primary and secondary sources to 
ensure comprehensive coverage of  the research topic. 
Primary data were gathered through direct observations, 
structured questionnaires, interviews, and fieldwork. 
Direct observations were conducted to visually assess the 
environmental impact of  oil spills on cassava production. 
The self-designed questionnaire, titled “Perceived Impact 
of  Oil Spill on Cassava Production Questionnaire 
(PIOSCPQ)”, was utilized and divided into two 
sections; demographic information of  the respondents 
and responses of  respondents’ feelings and opinions 
regarding the impact of  oil spills, using a 4-point Likert 
scale. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were 
conducted with selected cassava farmers to gain deeper 
insights into their experiences and perceptions of  the 
environmental impacts of  oil spills. Fieldwork involved 
collecting soil and water samples from affected cassava 
farmlands for laboratory analysis to corroborate the 
survey data. Secondary data involved a comprehensive 

review of  existing literature such as textbooks, journals, 
government reports, professional manuals, academic 
thesis and dissertations, and articles from magazines 
and newspapers. Data from the National Population 
Commission Publications (1941, 1976, and 2006) were 
used to contextualize the population and socio-economic 
conditions of  the study area. A purposive sampling 
technique was employed to select respondents from the 
study area. This method was chosen due to the sensitive 
nature of  the research and the need to engage directly 
with cassava farmers impacted by oil spills. The sample 
consisted of  219 respondents, predominantly cassava 
farmers from the most affected communities in Oguta 
Local Government Area. The study area was divided 
into impacted and non-impacted communities based 
on the presence of  oil spill incidents, with a focus on 
communities predominantly engaged in cassava farming 
and significantly affected by oil spills. Table II shows the 
location characteristics of  sampling points.  The sample 
size was determined using Krejcie & Morgan’s 1970 
Statistical formula:



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The formula is as follows:
N= n=E2+Z2×p×(1−p)                (1)
NZ2×p×(1−p)
Where:

• n = required sample size
• Z = Z-score corresponding to the desired confidence 

level (e.g., for a 95% confidence level, = 1.96Z = 1.96).
• p = estimated proportion of  the population that 

possesses the attribute of  interest
• E = desired margin of  error (expressed as a proportion)
• N = population size

For this study, the research was limited to five (5) 
communities where the sample points were preached 
in the study area. The five communities were those 
predominantly into cassava farming and who, from the 
research work, were confirmed to have suffered various 
forms of  oil spill necessitating this research. The affected 
communities in this category are shown in Table 1 and 
the location characteristics are shown in Table 2

of  the relationships between oil spills and their perceived 
environmental impacts on cassava farming. Additionally, 
interview data were transcribed and analyzed thematically 
to identify common themes and insights related to the 
farmers’ perceptions and experiences.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION
The result analysis is categorized into three sections:  
demographic analysis of  respondents; perception of  local 
communities, and farmers regarding the environmental 
impact of  oil spill associated with cassava production, 
and Hypothesis result. 

Respondents Demographic Analysis 
This research included three demographic variables. They 
were: Gender, Age, and Work Experience. The findings 
in the tables below reflects distribution according to 
demographic variables of  the sampled individuals.

Table 1: Sampled Communities in Oguta L.G.A 
Impacted by Oil Spill
S/N Community Oil Spill 

Impacted
Cassava Farming 
Impacted

1 Obudu Yes Yes
2 Mgbele Yes Yes
3 Nnebukwu Yes Yes
4 Izombe Yes Yes
5 Ejemekwuru Yes Yes

Table 3: Gender Profile of  the Respondents
Variable Frequency Percent %
Male 84 42.63
Female 113 57.36
Total 197 100

Source: Researcher’s Field Survey 2023

Table 4: Occupation Profile of  the Respondents
Variable Frequency Percent %
Cassava farmers 145 73.60
Civil servants 52 26.39
Total 197 100

Source: Researcher’s Field Survey 2023

Table 5: Educational Qualification Profile of  the 
Respondents
Variable Frequency Percent %
FSLC 110 55.83
First degree 54 27.41
Post graduate 33 16.76
Total 197 100

Source: Researcher’s Field Survey 2023

Table 2: Location Characteristics of  Sampling Points
S/N Community Latitude (N) Longitude (E)
1 Obudu 5.54780 6.89410
2 Mgbele 5.68090 6.84780
3 Nnebukwu 5.70180 6.78820
4 Ejemekwuru 5.59320 6.92230
5 Izombe 5.63440 6.85920

The collected data were processed and analyzed using 
several steps, initially, raw data from questionnaires and 
interviews were checked for completeness and accuracy. 
Incomplete or inconsistent responses were discarded. 
Cleaned data were then entered into the Statistical Package 
for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 2023, for 
analysis. Basic statistical measures such as mean, standard 
deviation, and frequencies were computed to summarize 
the demographic characteristics of  the respondents and 
their perceptions of  the environmental impacts of  oil spills. 
Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC) was 
used to test the relationships between oil spill incidents 
and various perceived impacts, such as soil degradation, 
yield reduction, and disruptions to farming activities. The 
significance level was set at 0.05, the correlation results 
were interpreted to understand the strength and direction 

Gender of  Respondents
Table 3 reveals that 84 (42.83%) of  Respondents were 
males, while 113 (57.36%) were females. It indicates 
female respondents were more interested in the research 
than male respondents were.

Occupation of  Respondents
Table 4 reveals that 145 (73.60%) of  Respondents were 
cassava farmers while 52 (26.39%) were civil servants. 
It indicates cassava farmers’ respondents were more 
interested in the research than the civil servants were.



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Educational Qualification of  the Sample
Table 5 shows 110 respondents (55.83%) FSLC; 54 
respondents (27.41%) first degree; 33 respondents 
(16.76%) respondents post graduate degree holders.

Table 6 shows 110 respondents (55.83%) aged 30-35 years; 
54 respondents (27.41%) aged 36-55years; 33 respondents 
(16.76%) respondents (8%) aged 65 and above.

Perception of  Local Communities, Farmers 
Regarding Environmental Impact of  Oil Spill 
Associated with Cassava Production
What are the perceptions of  local communities, farmers, 
and stakeholders regarding the environmental impact 
of  oil spill incidents associated with cassava production 
in Oguta Local Government Area?  Table 7 shows 
responses to perceptions of  local communities, farmers 
and stakeholders regarding the environmental impact.

Table 6: Age Profile of  the Respondents
Variable Frequency Percent %
30-35 110 55.83
36-55 54 27.41
65 and above 33 16.76
Total 197 100

Source: Researcher’s Field Survey 2023

Table 7: Responses on perceptions of  local communities, farmers and stakeholders regarding the environmental 
impact of  oil spill incidents associated with cassava production in Oguta Local Government Area
Response Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
Valid Strongly Agree 108 56.25 56.25 56.25
Agree 42 21.31 21.31 21.31
Disagree 27 13.70 13.70 13.70
Strongly Disagree 20 08.74 08.74 08.74
Total 197 100 100 100

Source: Researcher’s Field Survey 2023

The above table reveals the responses given concerning 
perceptions of  local communities, farmers, and 
stakeholders regarding the environmental impact of  oil 
spill incidents associated with cassava production in Oguta 
Local Government Area. Of  the 197 respondents, 108 
respondents representing 56.25% gave a strongly agree 
response that oil spill directly correlate with environmental 
impacts on cassava production in the study area. Similarly, 
42 respondents representing 21.13% agreed that oil spill 
affects the environment of  cassava production in the study 
area. However, 27 representing 13.70% disagreed with the 
fact that oil spill propels environmental impacts in the study 
area. This was followed by 20 respondents representing 
8.74% who strongly disagreed that oil spill correlates with 
environmental impacts in Oguta Local Government Area.

Hypothesis Result
The study was tested using Pearson’s Product Moment 
Correlation Coefficient with the aid of  SPSS, version 
20.0. Dana’s (2001) correlation decision framework was 
used to interpret the outcomes of  the tested hypotheses.
The correlation decision framework includes;

a) 0.00 – 0.19 (very weak)
b) 0.20 – 0.39 (weak)
c) 0.40 – 0.59 (moderate)
d) 0.60 – 0.79 (strong)
e) 0.80 – 0.99 (very strong)
f) 1 (perfect).

Ho1
There is no significant relationship between the 
perceptions of  local communities, farmers, and 

stakeholders regarding the environmental impact of  
oil spill incidents associated with cassava production in 
Oguta Local Government Area.

Table 8: The Descriptive Statistics
Variables Mean Standard Deviation
Environmental impact 0.1384 0.107
Oil spill 13.233 1.017
Error Term 0.5242 0.138

Table 9: Correlation
Variables Pearson 

Correlation
Significant

Environmental impact 0.728 0.000
Oil spill 0.500 0.000

The result of  the descriptive statistics provided the 
mean and standard deviation for each variable from oil 
spill directly correlating with the environmental impact 
associated with cassava production in Oguta Local 
Government Area.
From the values of  Table 8, the mean value of  the oil 
spill in directly correlation with environmental impacts 
on cassava production in Oguta Local Government Area 
is 0.1384 and with a standard deviation of  0.107. Oil spills 
gave a mean value of  13.233 and a standard deviation 
of  1.017. The table also indicated a difference between 
the mean value of  changes in production and error term 
as 0.5242 and 13.233 respectively; while, the standard 
deviation of  error term is 0.138.



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Table 9 indicated a significant relationship in the oil 
spill incidences directly correlating with environmental 

impacts in cassava production in Oguta Local 
Government Area.

Table 10: Regression Analysis
Variables constant Standard Error Beta T-value P-value
Environmental impacts 0.009 0.023 2.002 0.005
Oil spill 0.021 -0.031 -1.004 0.500
Other values of  Regression Analysis
Statistics Value
R2 0.761
Adjusted R2 0.723
Values Explained by other variables 23.9%
F-Statistics 80.109
Prob (F-Statistics) 0.000

The above regression analysis result reveals the oil spill 
incidences in direct correlation with environmental 
impacts associated with cassava production in the Oguta 
Local Government Area are positively related. R2 reveals 
that only 76.1% of  variations in the independent variable 
of  changes in cassava production in the study area are 
explained by the variations in the dependent variable of  oil 
spills. This implies that the remaining 23.9% is explained 
by other variables not included in the model. Hence since 
the explanation variable is greater than 50%, it shows that 
the model has a good fit. The adjusted R2 value of  72.3% 
is slightly below the R2 of  76.1%. The model’s validity 
is demonstrated by F-statistics, whose value of  80.109 
is significantly higher than its Prob (F-statistics) value 
of  0.000. Therefore, we assume in our first hypothesis 
above that there is no meaningful relationship between 
the environmental implications of  cassava cultivation in 
Oguta Local Government Area and the incidence of  oil 
spills. The correlation result indicates a strong positive 
correlation of  0.728, with a p-value of  0.500 significant 
at only 0.05%. This means that the environmental 
problems inherent in the production of  cassava in Oguta 
Local Government Area will rise with the amount of  oil 
spilled. Therefore, the null hypothesis is rejected, while 
the alternative hypothesis is accepted. Thus, we could 
state that there is a significant relationship between oil 
spill incidences directly correlating to environmental 
impacts associated with cassava production in Oguta 
Local Government Area.

CONCLUSION
The result shows there is a significant relationship (r= 
0.761) between oil spills and environmental impacts 
on cassava production in Oguta Local Government 
Area of  Imo State. The study found that both farmers 
and the public perceive oil spills as severely detrimental 
to soil fertility, water quality, air quality, biodiversity, 
and community health. Soil degradation and reduced 
agricultural productivity, water contamination affecting 
drinking and irrigation sources, air pollution leading to 

respiratory health risks, and biodiversity loss disrupting 
ecosystems were major concerns. Additionally, the 
psychological stress of  living in oil-affected environments 
was noted. These findings underscore the urgent need 
for proactive measures, including stricter regulations, 
effective cleanup and remediation efforts, and sustainable 
agricultural practices, to address and mitigate the 
environmental health impacts of  oil spills, necessitating 
collaboration among farmers, government agencies, 
environmental organizations, and the public. 

RECOMMENDATION
The following recommendations were advised by this 
study:

i. Implement robust environmental protection 
measures to prevent oil spill incidents in cassava 
production areas. Strengthen regulatory oversight 
and enforcement mechanisms to hold oil companies 
accountable for environmental violations. Invest in 
monitoring, surveillance, and early warning systems to 
detect and respond to oil spill incidents promptly.  

ii. Promote sustainable agricultural practices that 
enhance soil health, water quality, and ecosystem resilience 
in cassava production areas. Encourage the adoption of  
agro ecological techniques, organic farming methods, 
and soil conservation practices to mitigate the impacts 
of  oil contamination on cassava cultivation. Provide 
financial assistance, technical support, and capacity-
building programmes to cassava farmers affected by oil 
spill incidents.

Acknowledgement
The authors extend their gratitude to the Ignatius Ajuru 
University of  Education, Rumuolumeni, Rivers State for 
the facilities and resources provided during the course of  
this research.

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