OIL DEPLETION AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION, EXPLORING SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES IN AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN OGONI REGION IN RIVERS STATE.

Abstract

The study investigates oil depletion and environmental degradation, Exploring Sustainable Alternative in Agricultural Sector in Ogoni region in Rivers State. A descriptive survey design was adopted, two research questions, two hypotheses guided the study. (400) population comprises of farmers across six kingdoms in Ogoni Region and agriculturally active households within these communities. The sample size comprised 400 farmers to determine the appropriate sample size. Data collected was active through structured questionnaires, mean and standard deviation inferential analysis including the z-test is used to determine the significance at the 0.05 level, the finding shows that the oil rich rivers state in Nigeria has faced significant environmental degradation as a result of prolonged oil exploration, extraction and spillage, particularly in rural communities. This has led to soil contamination, water pollution and loss of biodiversity, thereby threatening the sustainability of agricultural livelihoods. As oil reserves dwindle and the economic viability of crude oil declines, there is an urgent need to explore sustainable alter natives in the agricultural sector to secure food security improved livelihoods and restore ecological balance for findings the study highlights the resilience of local farmers and the potential of sustainable innovations to transform the sector. The study recommended policy reforms, environmental remediation and farmer-centered education as vital strategies to transition from and oil dependent economy to a green and sustainable agricultural system in Rivers State.