AGRICULTURE AND BIOLOGY JOURNAL OF NORTH AMERICA ISSN Print: 2151-7517, ISSN Online: 2151-7525 © 2010, Science Huβ, http://www.scihub.org/ABJNA

Impact of multinational corporations in fisheries development and management in Niger delta Nigeria 1

Tawari, C.C. and 2*Davies, O.A

1

Department of Fisheries and Livestock Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria 2 Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria ∗ Correspondence: [email protected] ABSTRACT This study examined the impact of the multinational corporations in fisheries development and management in their areas of operation within the Niger Delta. This information was gathered using structured questionnaires 1000 fisher folks in four different states of the Niger Delta using random sampling technique. The data were analyzed using means, percentage and chi-square (X2) with coefficient of contingency (C). The results showed that in terms of the agencies in promoting fisheries development and management programmes, SPDC enjoyed mean response rate of 2.41, ADP had a mean response of 1.55 followed by GRP (1.20) and Elf (1.00). Looking at pollution control as a management objective, SPDC had the highest mean score (2.50) followed by ADP (1.50), while GRP scored 1.10 and Elf 1.00. The results revealed that poor pollution control management, lack of infrastructures, lack of credit facilities, inadequate extension services and non provision of improved fishing inputs were areas of deficiency in the programmes of multinational corporations operating in the Niger Delta. Suggestions were advanced therefore that improved incentives, infrastructures and enabling environment as well as government should encourage more private sectors participation and employed them invest certain percentage of their profit to development of agriculture. Keywords: Agencies, extension services, improved fishing inputs, fisheries advancement, Niger Delta

INTRODUCTION Fisheries resources represent the foci of the livelihood activities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Fishing supplied more than 87% of the animal protein and more than 90% of coastal communities depend solely on fishing and fisheries related activities for their survival (FAO, 2002 and Davies, 2005). Recognizing its huge potential for contributing to food security and nutrition, major role in the economies of developing countries as a basic source of local and foreign income, employment opportunities and enhancing socio- economic status of the Niger Delta government and non-governmental organization threw their weight behind the success of fisheries industry. Despite the natural features suitable for massive development of culture and Inland fisheries, the undulating topography with its large number of small perennial streams, creeks, substantial rainfall and vast mangrove/freshwater swamp provide ample scope for the construction of fish ponds of various sizes. Fish culture practices and technology are still poor in the study areas (Tawari 2006).

In a bid to reviving the ailing agricultural sector to an enviable height within the national economy, the fisheries subsector should get a boost. In actualizing this goal the fish farmers and as well as fish processors should be empowered through various agricultural development schemes and projects, notable among them are Agricultural Development Project (ADP), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Agricultural Programme, Green River Project of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (GRP) (Alfred-Ockiya et al., 1996 and Davies 2008). The role of these oil companies in agriculture in the Niger Delta is to assist small-holder farmers to gain new skills, techniques and adopt new technologies to raise their level of production and improve on their level of living, especially in the areas where they prospect for crude oil and natural gas. There was also intervention from the multi-national oil companies operating in the country, such as; the Green River Project (Agip); Shell Community Development Project (SCDP) of Shell Petroleum

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(1) Fish farmers mean response on the impact of the various agencies based on developmental and management objectives (2) The agency has succeeded in making the fishing practice profitable. (3) The agency enjoys the confidence of the people (4) The agency is well funded to meet her fundamental objectives (5) The agency is willing to introduce innovations in fishing techniques and fish species A Likert format 4-point score sheet was included to enable the fishers (respondents) score the activities of the extension officers of the agencies. The scoring was: Excellent 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 None 0

Development Company (SPDC); Agricultural Unit of Elf Community Development Programme (Elf). Other international and local agencies involved in fisheries programmes are – Integrated Rural Fisheries Development Project ((IRFD), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Inshore Fisheries Development Project (IFDP), and National Accelerated Fish Production Project (NAFPP), (Alfred-Ockiya, 2000). The role of these agencies in fisheries development and management in the Niger Delta is primarily to assist small-holder fishers to acquire new skills, techniques, and adopt new technologies to enhance their level of production and consequently improve on their level of living both economically and culturally within the community (Opara et al., 2006). Some multinational corporations have been rendering agricultural and fisheries extension services to farmers and fishers in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria for quite sometime now (Tawari, 2006). The extent to which the fishers have benefited from these programmes in terms of improvement in fisheries production through adoption of innovations has not been fully studied. The thrust of this study was to determine the effectiveness of these nongovernmental agencies in developing fisheries industry in Niger Delta.

Section B of the questionnaire was designed to elucidate the respondents’ perception of the activities of the agencies towards the development and proper management of fisheries resources. This is in the form of a modified Likert-type scale rating. The rating was constructed using the jury option technique. This section contains twenty statements relevant to the psychological perception (behaviour/attitude) of respondents as it relates to the agencies. The statements were compiled by consultations with experts in the field and review of literature. The statements were critically evaluated to ensure their relevance and suitability to the attitude category under review. The twenty acceptable statement items were arranged in the Likert-type format, requiring respondents to indicate their sincere feelings and opinions along the given 4 point scale rating as follows:

METHODOLOGY Study Area: The study area is in the Niger Delta located between latitudes 40 2” and 60 2” North of the equator and longitudes 50 1” and 70 2” East of the Greenwich meridian. The states surveyed were Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States . Sampling Frame: The study on impact of the multinational corporations in fisheries development and management in Niger Delta, using four states as a case study was conducted by means of a structured questionnaire, administered through a participatory learning technique. Each of the State was divided into ten zones. Furthermore, each zone was divided into four locations. Thus, a total of 160 fishing communities were visited. The fishing villages and ports were randomly selected. The states were selected using purposeful sampling techniques because they are coastal and fishing states. Care was taken to include semi-urban towns in the sample to obtain information on the rural-urban interface on impact of the multinational corporations in fisheries development and management in the Niger Delta. Some the issues addressed by questionnaires include:

SA A D SD

= = = =

Mean =

Strongly Agree = 4 Agree = 3 Disagree = 2 Strongly disagree= 1 Total = 10 10/4 = 2.50

RESULTS In terms of the agencies fisheries development and management programmes SPDC with a mean response rate of 2.41 appeared to be involved in the suggested five developmental objectives. ADP had a mean response of 1.55 followed by GRP (1.20) and Elf (1.00) (Table 1). One striking observation on Table 1, showed that only SPDC provided financial incentives to fishers while other agencies had never provided financial

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evaluation of the fortnightly training programme is necessary to determine the extent to which the objective of the training programme was achieved, and identify problem areas that needed to be strengthened. As a result of crude oil exploration and exploitation in the Niger Delta, pollution arising from the toxic effect of crude oil in the aquatic environment became rampart. This has consequently affected negatively the fisheries status of the region. According to National Academy of Science (NAS) 1975 report, effects of crude oil on the aquatic environment can be broadly divided into the two groups: the coating or smothering effect and the disruption of aquatic organisms metabolism due to ingestion and incorporation of hydrocarbon. This could result into total destruction of the ecosystem leading to poor fish catch (Tawari, 2006).

incentives to fishers in the study area. Pollution control as a management objective has the highest mean score by SPDC (2.50) followed by ADP (1.50), while GRP scored 1.10 and Elf 1.00. Provision of materials and implements attracted the highest mean score by SPDC (3.50) followed by ADP (2.40), while GRP scored 1.60 and Elf 1.50. Provision of infrastructures as a developmental objective, SPDC has the highest mean score of 1.75 followed by ADP (1.20), while GRP and Elf scored 1.00 each. Impartation and management objective covers the entire extension services. In the area, the agencies seem to have made some impressionable effort. The highest mean score was by SPDC (2.80) followed by ADP (2.65) and GRP had 2.30, while Elf had 1.50 Table 2 shows that 45% of respondents responded favourably in the attitude scale in favour of development and effective management of the fisheries resources in the agricultural subsector by the agencies. On the other hand, 55% of the respondents’ reaction to the attitude scale item did not favour the effective development of the fisheries resources in the area under survey.

The result obtained revealed mean response on the effectiveness of agencies based on management objectives rated SPDC and ADP at the medium level of effectiveness. This implies that these two agencies have made more impact on the fisher-folks in the Niger Delta area than the others with lower rating.

The ranking is based on how highly favoured was the particular item on the attitude scale. Looking at Item No.5, which was ranking first, it will become clear why, because the general perception was that these multinational companies employ qualified high caliber staff.

According to fish farmers mean response on effectiveness of the agencies by strategies, SPDC, GRP and ADP fell into the medium level rating. This implied that these agencies adopted these strategies and impacted the respondents. Consequently, agencies are encouraged to strategize along these lines with some improvements for maximum benefit. Fishers-folk livelihood depend on solely fisheries resources, with fisheries accounting for more than 85% of the annual income. Some of them combined fisheries activities with other occupation such arable farming, trading, artisanship, with the entire activities playing complimentary and supplementary role in stabilizing the economy of fishing communities. This finding is in agreement with Davies (2008). Only SPDC provided financial assistance to the farmers

Table 3 shows the percentage distribution of respondents’ in the agencies to items on the attitude scale. Data show that 40% of respondents strongly agree and 30% agree that the agencies enjoy the confidence of the people, while 20% disagree and 10% strongly disagree (Item No. 1). Respondents were also favourably disposed to Items Nos. 2 to 5 but the response for Item No. 4, though favourable was weak on the point that the agencies are well funded to meet their fundamental objectives. Fifty percent of respondents disagree and 10% strongly disagree, while only 20% agree and another 20% strongly agree that the number of staff doing the extension work was adequate (Item No. 6). This response was crucial since it had direct bearing to the imapct of the agencies. Items Nos. 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, and 20 had favourable responses while Items Nos. 6, 8, 12, 15, 17, 18, and 19 had unfavourable responses. Thus, we have 65% of respondents responding favourably while 35% responded unfavourably to the attitude scale items.

The attitude of fish farmers to fisheries development and management scale by ranks indicated out twenty items on the scale, eleven were unfavourably disposed to while the remaining nine was adjudged favourable. Thus, 55% of the fishers-folks were not in favour of meaningful impact of the agricultural development agencies (established by multinational companies) with regards to increased fish production and management of fisheries resources while only 45% were in favour within the area under study. This implied that these agencies need to take adequate steps to improve their strategy to make an impressionable impact on their host communities. Consequently, we can infer that the agricultural agencies operating in these areas are not positively impacting the fisheries development of their host communities in the selected Niger Delta states

DISSCUSSION The result from this study agreed with that of Davies (2005) and Osi (2008) that if field staff must be functionally effective, there was no substitute for proper training and competence in relevant subject matter areas, as well as in the principles and process of social change. This study agreed with the findings made by Isife and Madukwe (1995) and Ochomma (2008) that

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.

.

Table 1: Analysis of Fish Farmers Mean Response on the impact of the Various Agencies Based on Developmental and Management Objectives

Provision of Materials & Implements

Provision of Financial Incentives

Provision of Infrastructure

Impartation of Fisheries Skills to Fishers (Extension) 2.80 2.65 2.30 1.50

Rating

Pollution Control (Mgt)

Ranking

Agencies

Mean of Means

Objectives

SPDC 2.50 3.50 1.75 1.50 2.41 1 M ADP 1.50 2.40 1.20 0 1.55 2 M GRP (Agip) 1.10 1.60 1.00 0 1.20 3 L Elf 1.00 1.50 1.00 0 1.00 4 L Mean of 1.53 2.25 1.24 0.38 2.31 Means Mean Score rating on effectiveness: 2.5 – above = High [H], 1.5 – 2.49 = Medium [M], 0 - 1.49 = Low [L Table 2:Fish Farmers Reaction to Attitude Scale on Fisheries Development and Management Scale by Ranking Scale Item

Ranks

Remarks

The caliber of staff is adequate The agency enjoys the confidence of the people

1st 2nd

** **

They have relevant experts for the various programmes of the agency

3rd

**

th

**

The projects are very relevant to the fisheries need of the people

4

The agency is well funded to meet her fundamental objectives

th

5

**

The agency is willing to introduce innovations in fishing techniques and fish species

6th

**

The agency has succeeded in making the fishing practice profitable

7th

**

Some projects have been abandoned due to lack of funds or expertise

th

8

**

The agency has been able to encourage the locals to take to fishing and fish farming

9th

**

There are many ongoing projects in the area by the agency

10

th

*

th

*

th

*

th

*

th

*

th

The number of staff is adequate They have adequate implements for extension services

15 16th 17th 18th th 19

* * * * *

There is a properly established technical department in the agency to take care of maintenance

20th

*

They are mindful of pollution in the area

11

They produce enough fingerlings for distribution or sales to fish farmers

12

The fisheries extension officers pay regular visits to the fishermen and fish farmers.

13

The implements are not usable because they are damaged

14

The implements are right now in usable condition and in use They operate a hatchery They operate laboratory facilities in the area to test water quality

**-Favourable Attitude

- 45%

*-Unfavourable Attitude

149

- 55%

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Table 3: Percentage Distribution of Respondents’ Reaction in the Agencies to the Items on the Attitude Scale Strongly Strongly Agree Disagree Agree Disagree S/No. Scale Item Remark 4 3 2 1 1 The agency enjoys the confidence of 40 30 20 10 ** the people 2 The agency has been able to encourage the locals to take to fishing 45 35 20 0 ** and fish farming 3 The agency has succeeded in making the fishing practice profitable 45 40 15 0 ** 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11

12

13 14

15 16 17 18

19

20

The agency is well funded to meet her fundamental objectives The caliber of staff is adequate The number of staff is adequate We have relevant experts for the various programmes of the agency We have adequate implements for extension services The implements are right now in usable condition and in use The implements are adequate There is a properly established technical department in the agency to take care of maintenance There are many ongoing projects in the area by the agency The projects are very relevant to the fisheries need of the people Some projects have been abandoned due to lack of funds or expertise We operate laboratory facilities in the area to test water quality We are mindful of pollution in the area We operate a hatchery We produce enough fingerlings for distribution or sales to fish farmers

20

30

40

10

**

40 20

40 20

20 50

0 10

** *

40

30

20

10

**

15

20

55

10

*

20

30

40

10

**

40

45

10

5

**

15

35

40

10

**

5

40

50

5

*

50

30

15

5

**

45

35

16

4

**

5

40

50

5

*

50

40

10

0

**

0

40

50

10

*

0

30

50

20

*

30

50

15

*

50

5

0

**

The fisheries extension officers pay regular visits to the fishermen and fish 5 farmers. The agency is willing to introduce innovations in fishing techniques and 45 fish species ** Favourable Attitude - 65% * Unfavourable Attitude - 35%

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The percentage distribution of fishers folk reaction within the agencies to the items on the attitude scale. The agents of these agencies qualify to be called extension officers of the agencies. Analysis of their response showed that 35% was unfavourable while 65% was favourable for the development and management of fisheries resources. There are responses which are at variance with that of the fishers and this is probably due to the difference in perception by virtue of location. This is evident in Item No. 16, where the fishers see no effort at controlling pollution, while the agents also account for differences in response for Items Nos. 9, 10, and 11.

5)

6)

7)

CONCLUSION It is evident from the reaction of fish farmers that the level of awareness was highest for ADP programmes, which shows that government effort is actually creating some impact on the fishing life of the fishers. The awareness of these agricultural agencies is not as widespread as that of ADP. Hence they are localized mostly within their areas of operation in the Niger Delta. However, in terms of materials and inputs, their impact is more impressionable than that of ADP. The result obtained revealed mean response on the impact of agencies based on management objectives rated SPDC and ADP at the medium level of effectiveness. This implies that these two agencies have made more impact on the fisherfolks in the Niger Delta area than the others with lower rating. In defiance the natural features suitable for massive development of culture and artisanal fisheries, the undulating topography with its large number of small perennial streams, creeks, substantial rainfall and vast mangrove/freshwater swamp provide ample scope for the construction of fish ponds of various sizes. As a result of crude oil exploration and exploitation in the Niger Delta, pollution arising from the toxic effect of crude oil in the aquatic environment became rampart. This has consequently affected negatively the fisheries

assist fishers in the development and management of their resource. The multinational companies are encouraged to initiate a sustainable credit system for the fishers to meet their needs especially in terms of materials. The multinational companies should establish pilot fish farms in various locations within the Niger Delta, whereby fishers can observe a practical demonstration of some of the innovative skills. Based on the low assessment by fishers of the multinational companies programmes, they should use this assessment as a spring-board to launch better and more suitable programmes.

REFERENCES Alfred-Ockiya, J.F. (2000): Socio-economic Activities of Women in Artisanal Fisheries of the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Aquafield 1. No. 1. Alfred-Ockiya, J.F., Zudonu, A.O and Akele, S.A. (1996): Assessment of Fish Farmer Awareness and Application of Modern Fish Farming Techniques in Green River Project Areas in Rivers, Imo, and Delta States of Nigeria. Nigerian J. Agric. Teacher Education 2:115-122 Davies, R.M. (2005).Development of appropriate technology of fish processing in Nigeria. A paper presented at a one-day workshop on intensive fish farming on Thursday, 24th February 2005. Davies, R.M., Davies, O.A., Inko-Tariah, M.B. and Bekibele, D.O. (2008). Mechanization of fish farms in Rivers State, Nigeria. World Appl. Sci. J. 3(6):926-929. Emah, G.N. (1997): Level of Participation of Small Farmers in Programmes of Agricultural Development Project (ADP) in Rivers State. Nigerian South East J. Agric. Econ. and Ext., 1(1): 28-31 FAO. (2002). Workshop on promotion of sustainable commercial aquaculture in Zambia and Malawi, Lusaka, Zambia, 2-4 October 2002 Isife, B.I and Madukwe, M.C. (1995): “An Evaluation of Fortnight Training Programme in Enugu State Agricultural Development Programme.” Nigerian J. Agric. Teacher Education. IV (2). Ochomma, U.C. (2008). Constraints to capacity building programmes in rural communities in Rivers State. Unpublished M.Sc Thesis, Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, pp 90

status of the region. RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are proposed to make the agencies more effective. 1) The multinational companies should encourage regular visits to the fishers by the extension officers. These visits must also be monitored by the agencies. 2) The multinational companies are encouraged to provide necessary services and incentives to fishers in order to sustain their intervention programmes. 3) Organise regular training sessions for the fishers to enable them cope with modern techniques. Such training should include gears, fish seed multiplication, disease and weed control. 4) To be effective, extension officers should be trained regularly on modern techniques required in order to

Opara, L.U. and Al Jufaili, S.M. (2006). Status of fisheries post harvest industry in the Sultane of Oman: Part 2 Quantification of fresh fish losses. J. Fisheries Int. 1(24):150-156 Osi, O.A. (2008). Survey of fish processing machinery in Bayelsa State. Unpublised B.Sc Thesis, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engieering, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State pp 76 Tawari, C.C. 2006. Effectiveness of Agricultural agencies in fisheries management and production in the Niger Delta. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Thesis, Rivers State Univ. Sci. Technol., Port Harcourt, Nigeria (Unpublished). pp 180

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