October 2017 Vol. 5 No.3

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Original Research Article

Socio-Economic Effects of Chemical Pollution on Agricultural Production in Mineral Mining Communities of South- East Nigeria

Dr. Samuel E. Esheya^1*, Prof. C. U. Okoye², Prof. N. J. Nweze² and Dr. (Mrs). Ngozi Azubike Okonkwo³

¹Department of Agricultural Education, Ebonyi State College of Education Ikwo
²Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria Nsukka
³Agriculture Unit, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: samuelesheya@gmail.com

Accepted May 15, 2017

Abstract

This study investigated the socio-economic effects of chemical pollution on agricultural production in mineral mining communities of South-East Nigeria. It was carried out in three (3) states namely: Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states. The study was guided by three research questions and one null hypothesis. Multi-stage and purposive simple random sampling techniques were employed for selecting the respondents. Data were obtained from primary sources from a sample of 400 respondents by the use of structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using percentage, frequency, mean, and multiple regression analysis. Results indicate that explosives, sulphuric acid, pesticides, persistent organic pollutants, acetylene, nitric acid, radioactive chemicals, fumigants and volatile organic compounds were the commonly used chemicals by mineral mining companies in the study area. Contamination of air, water and land with resultant death of soil micro- organisms, reduction in farmland and soil fertility, poor growth and pre-mature death of crops; poor crop yield and frequent outbreak of civil crises were among the severe socio-economic effects of chemical pollution in mineral mining communities of South- East Nigeria. Based on the results of the multiple regression analysis, the independent variables in the three regression models significantly influence the yield of yam, cassava and rice respectively. This study recommends that it would be necessary to improve the socio-economic status of the farmers and strengthen cooperation between various parties to solve chemical pollution and related problems facing the mineral mining host communities to achieve the twin goals of food security and environmental safety in mineral mining host communities of South- East Nigeria.

Keywords: Agricultural Productivity, Chemical Pollution, Host Communities, Mineral Mining, Socio- Economic Effects