Nzeadibe T.C., Ajaero C.K., Okonkwo E.E., Okpoko P.U., Akukwe T.I., Njoku-Tony R.F.
Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Demography and Population Studies Programme, The University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Archaeology and Tourism, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Depart
Nzeadibe, T.C., Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ajaero, C.K., Demography and Population Studies Programme, The University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg, South Africa; Okonkwo, E.E., Department of Archaeology and Tourism, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Okpoko, P.U., Department of Archaeology and Tourism, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Akukwe, T.I., Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Njoku-Tony, R.F., Department of Environmental Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act of 1992 aimed to make the environment a central theme in development in Nigeria. Nevertheless, the extent of engagement with local cultures in the Nigerian EIA process is not statutorily guaranteed. While most EIAs in Nigeria have been for oil and gas projects in the Niger Delta, and have focused strongly on the biophysical environment, socio-economic and cultural aspects have remained marginal. The palpable neglect of community perceptions and cultural diversity in social impact assessment (SIA) in this region prone to conflict has tended to alienate the people in the decision-making process. Thus, despite claims to compliance with regulatory requirements for EIAs, and numerous purported sustainable development initiatives by international oil companies (IOCs), the region continues to face multiple sustainability challenges. This paper situates local perceptions and cultural diversity in participatory development and canvasses the integration of community perceptions and cultural diversity into SIA in the Niger Delta region. It is argued that doing this would be critical to ensuring acceptance and success of development actions within the context of local culture while also contributing to sustainable development policy in the region. © 2015 Elsevier Inc.
Behavioral research; Decision making; Environmental impact; Environmental impact assessments; Planning; Regulatory compliance; Social sciences; Sustainable development; Biophysical environments; Community perceptions; Cultural diversity; Environmental impact assessments (EIA); International oil companies; Niger Delta; Regulatory requirements; Social impact assessments; Economic and social effects; decision making; environmental impact assessment; integrated approach; participatory approach; perception; policy making; social impact assessment; sustainable development; Niger Delta; Nigeria