JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The Niger Delta, despite being Nigeria’s oil-rich region, suffers from severe environmental degradation that threatens food production, community health, and economic stability. Oil spills, gas flaring, deforestation, and ineffective policy responses have transformed this once fertile area into one of the most ecologically and socioeconomically vulnerable zones in the country. This study addresses the pressing need for a comprehensive understanding of how environmental degradation exacerbates hunger and poverty.

Objective:

This study examines how oil-induced environmental degradation impacts land quality, agricultural productivity, and household food security in the Niger Delta. It assesses local perceptions, evaluates the effectiveness of government and corporate responses, and explores the use of predictive analytics to forecast poverty and food insecurity. Together, these objectives aim to inform targeted, data-driven policy interventions.

Methods:

A narrative literature review was conducted, drawing from peer-reviewed Q1/Q2 journal articles, government and NGO reports, and international agency publications. Data from 2000–2024 were synthesized using thematic analysis to link oil-related environmental degradation to food production, poverty, and health indicators. Secondary data were complemented by spatial and perception-based insights.

Results:

The study found that over 240,000 barrels of crude oil are spilled annually, causing large-scale land degradation and biodiversity loss. Cassava and yam production declined by 40% and over 50%, respectively, while fish catch dropped by two-thirds. Over 70% of Niger Delta residents live below the poverty line, and food insecurity affects most households. Local perceptions identified oil spills, gas flaring, and water pollution as primary drivers of hunger. Predictive analytics, when integrated with environmental and socioeconomic data, proved effective in identifying high-risk areas for targeted intervention.

Conclusions:

Oil-induced environmental degradation is a key driver of hunger, poverty, and social unrest in the Niger Delta. While government and corporate interventions exist, they are often ineffective, poorly aligned with community needs, and marred by lack of transparency. Policymakers should adopt an integrated response strategy that includes predictive poverty analytics, robust environmental governance, and community-led development planning. Strengthening data systems and aligning aid with local realities are essential for resilience building. This study provides a data-driven foundation for understanding the intertwined crises of environmental degradation, food insecurity, and poverty in the Niger Delta. It advocates for the innovative use of AI-enabled predictive tools to drive more effective, equitable, and forward-looking policy responses in ecologically fragile zones.